STOCKHOLM, Dec 3 (Alliance News): Sweden has formally requested China’s assistance in an investigation into suspected sabotage following the disruption of two major submarine internet cables in the Baltic Sea earlier this month.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced on Thursday that the country is seeking clarity and asked for cooperation from Chinese authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The cables, named Arelion and C-Lion 1, link Finland to Germany and Sweden to Lithuania, respectively.
They were cut within 24 hours of each other on November 17 and 18. The incidents occurred shortly after the United States warned that Russia could target critical undersea infrastructure.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius indicated at the time that it was unlikely the cables were damaged by accident.
Kristersson emphasized the importance of the Chinese vessel, Yi Pen 3, which was traced near the cables’ locations.
The ship had recently departed from the Russian port of Vistino and was seen crossing other significant undersea infrastructure, such as oil and gas pipelines and a power line. It is currently anchored in international waters in the Kattegat strait between Denmark and Sweden.
Kristersson expressed hopes that the vessel would return to Swedish waters to assist in the investigation.
The Swedish Prosecution Authority has opened a preliminary investigation into suspected sabotage through its National Unit against International and Organized Crime, while Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation has also launched its inquiry.
Vessel tracking data from Kpler confirmed Yi Pen 3’s route intersecting the affected cables and other infrastructure.
Responding to inquiries, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Wednesday that he was unaware of the situation but reiterated that Chinese ships comply with relevant international laws and regulations.
