China cooperates in probe over Baltic Sea cable sabotage
- The Chinese authorities have provided investigators with information and documents regarding severing telecommunications cables in the Baltic Sea, Beijing's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday. The Chinese ship Yi Peng 3 is suspected of cutting two cables that connect Lithuania to Sweden and Finland to Germany.
The spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, emphasised China's readiness to continue sharing information and cooperating with the countries involved in the investigation.
- The voyage of Yi Peng 3 was delayed for a considerable time due to the investigation. After careful assessment and consultation, the shipping company decided to resume the voyage to protect the physical and mental well-being of the crew - added Mao.
In November, two telecommunications cables in the Baltic Sea were severed, connecting Lithuania to Sweden and Finland to Germany. Suspicion soon fell on the Chinese ship Yi Peng 3, which was near the locations of the cable breaks.
The ship was in international waters
An investigation into possible sabotage was begun by the prosecutor's office in Stockholm as well as by the authorities of Germany, Finland, and Lithuania.
The ship Yi Peng 3 was in international waters in Denmark's Kattegat Strait, which prevented boarding and conducting procedural activities without China's consent.
The Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, informed that his government had made an official request to China for cooperation, demanding, among other things, that the ship enter Swedish territorial waters.
On 19th December, Swedish police, along with representatives from the authorities of China, Denmark, Germany, Finland, and Lithuania, boarded the Chinese ship. Two days later, Yi Peng 3 set off on its journey to Egypt.
