With the severing of two telecom cables in the Baltic Sea, China announced its willingness to collaborate with Sweden’s ongoing investigation into the incidents. The cables, located in Swedish territorial waters near Denmark, were damaged on November 17 and 18, raising concerns over potential sabotage.
“China is willing to work with relevant countries to find out the truth,” stated Mao Ning, a spokeswoman for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press briefing on Friday. Mao further noted that China and Sweden were in “close communication” to address the matter.
The incidents involve sections of two undersea cables, vital components of Europe’s telecommunication infrastructure, which were cut under circumstances that remain unclear. The events have prompted widespread speculation and heightened security concerns in the region, with both Sweden and Denmark actively monitoring the situation.
Suspicion has fallen on the Chinese-flagged ship Yi Peng 3, which ship-tracking data revealed was in the vicinity of the cables at the time of the incidents. Despite this, there is no direct evidence implicating the vessel in the damage.
The Yi Peng 3, a cargo vessel equipped with heavy machinery, has since remained anchored in the Kattegat strait between Sweden and Denmark, where it has been closely watched by both Swedish and Danish authorities.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson addressed the issue in a press conference on Thursday, confirming that Sweden had formally requested China’s assistance in the investigation.
“Sweden has … sent a formal request to China to cooperate with Swedish authorities in order to create clarity on what has happened,” Kristersson said, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration to resolve the situation.
Swedish authorities have been tight-lipped about the specifics of their investigation, though it is clear that the potential involvement of a foreign vessel in Swedish territorial waters is being scrutinized with utmost seriousness.
The Yi Peng 3 has remained under close surveillance since the incidents came to light. The Danish navy has been shadowing the vessel as it remains in international waters, with Sweden’s coast guard joining the efforts over the past weekend.
Authorities in both nations have stressed the importance of protecting critical infrastructure, particularly in the wake of increased geopolitical tensions in Europe following the war in Ukraine. The potential vulnerability of undersea cables—a cornerstone of modern communication—has become a pressing issue for European nations.
China has sought to present itself as cooperative while urging caution against premature conclusions. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning’s remarks on Friday reiterated Beijing’s willingness to assist, while subtly cautioning against unfounded allegations.
“China hopes that relevant parties can maintain an objective and rational attitude,” Mao said. This statement underscores Beijing’s sensitivity to being implicated in international incidents, particularly in a region far removed from its traditional sphere of influence.
The severing of the cables highlights the vulnerability of undersea telecommunications infrastructure, which is increasingly seen as a potential target for espionage, sabotage, or unintended damage.
These cables are essential for transmitting internet, phone, and other communication data between countries. A disruption not only risks immediate communication breakdowns but can also have cascading effects on commerce, security, and military operations.
Security experts have long warned that undersea cables are difficult to monitor and protect, given their extensive reach across the world’s oceans. The Baltic Sea, a heavily trafficked region with dense maritime activity, presents unique challenges in ensuring the security of these critical assets.
The incident occurs against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tension between China and Western nations, including the European Union. Relations between China and Sweden have also been strained in recent years, marked by disputes over trade, human rights, and security issues.
Sweden’s decision to ban Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei from its 5G networks in 2020 drew sharp criticism from Beijing. This history of strained ties has fueled speculation that geopolitical factors might influence interpretations of the current investigation.
While the Yi Peng 3 remains under scrutiny, experts caution against jumping to conclusions without concrete evidence.
Security analysts have weighed in on the complexity of attributing responsibility in such incidents.
- Maritime Operations Expert Thomas Lindholm noted, “Undersea cable damage can result from various factors, including fishing activities, anchors, or natural wear and tear. While the timing of the Yi Peng 3’s presence raises questions, direct evidence is critical before assigning blame.”
- Cybersecurity Analyst Maria Svensson highlighted the strategic implications, stating, “The Baltic Sea is becoming a focal point for cybersecurity and infrastructure security. If sabotage is confirmed, it will necessitate a coordinated response among NATO allies and regional partners.”
- Forensic Analysis: Swedish authorities are expected to conduct detailed forensic examinations of the damaged cables to determine the cause.
- Maritime Traffic Review: Authorities will analyze shipping data to reconstruct vessel movements in the area during the incidents.
- Collaborative Efforts: Sweden’s formal request to China signals the need for transparency and international cooperation in resolving the case.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Regardless of the outcome, European nations are likely to ramp up efforts to protect critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic region.
The incident underscores the fragile state of Europe-China relations, with security concerns increasingly overshadowing economic ties. European nations have become more cautious about China’s activities, both on land and at sea, amid fears of espionage and covert operations.
The willingness of China to cooperate in the investigation could serve as a test of Beijing’s commitment to transparency and its ability to navigate growing mistrust in the West.
