Sweden has formally requested China’s cooperation in investigating the recent damage to two undersea data cables in the Baltic Sea. These cables, one linking Finland to Germany and the other connecting Lithuania to Sweden, were both severed in Swedish waters last week. Notably, this occurred in an area where the China-flagged vessel Yi Peng 3 was reported to be present.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized the importance of determining the cause of the incident, stating that it is “extremely important to find out exactly what happened.” He added:
“Sweden has expressed our desire for the ship to move to Swedish waters…And of course, we expect also China to comply with the request we have sent to China.”
Reports by The Wall Street Journal indicated that investigators suspect the Yi Peng 3 might have intentionally damaged the cables by dragging its anchor across the seabed. The Norwegian foundation NORSAR, which monitors seismic activity, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that no “seismic signals” were detected in the area, ruling out the possibility of explosions.
Currently, the Yi Peng 3 is anchored in international waters between Sweden and Denmark, where it is being closely monitored by multiple vessels, including ships from the Danish navy. Kristersson’s remarks came after a regional security meeting involving Baltic Sea government leaders.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, speaking at the same news conference, expressed “full solidarity and full support” for Sweden and affirmed trust in the country’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of all nations in the Baltic region.
