A Chinese ship, the Yi Peng 3, is under investigation for allegedly severing two critical internet cables in the Baltic Sea between November 17 and 18, 2024. Authorities suspect that the incident may have been orchestrated by Russian intelligence, raising concerns about potential sabotage in the region.
- Chinese ship suspected of internet cable sabotage
- Yi Peng 3 dragged anchor over 100 miles
- Investigators suspect Russian orchestration
- NATO ships surround Yi Peng 3 in waters
- Tensions rise in Baltic Sea post-Ukraine invasion
- Poland calls for Baltic policing mission
The Yi Peng 3, a 225-meter-long Chinese-registered bulk carrier, is suspected of dragging its anchor along the seabed, severing the 730-mile C-Lion1 cable that connects central Europe to Finland. Investigators noted that the anchor was likely dropped intentionally, causing the cable damage at approximately 9 PM local time on November 17. A second cable was cut around 3 AM the following day, as the vessel traveled about 111 miles.
Swedish authorities initiated a sabotage investigation following the cable cuts, leading to a Danish naval patrol pursuing the Yi Peng 3, which subsequently anchored in the Kattegat Strait. NATO warships have been monitoring the vessel for over a week. Under international maritime law, these ships cannot compel the Yi Peng 3 to dock, prompting Swedish and German authorities to negotiate with the ship’s owner for access to the crew and further inquiry.
While Western officials suspect Russian intelligence agencies may have orchestrated the incident, they do not believe that Beijing was involved. The Kremlin has denied any accusations, labeling them as “absurd” and “unsubstantiated.” The incident has intensified existing tensions in the Baltic region, particularly following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and previous underwater explosions that damaged the Nord Stream pipelines.
In response to the incident, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called for a specialized policing mission in the Baltic Sea to address threats to critical infrastructure. Tusk, alongside leaders from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Norway, and Sweden, emphasized the need for enhanced security measures in the region.
The investigation into the Yi Peng 3 incident underscores growing concerns about potential sabotage in the Baltic Sea, as Western nations remain vigilant against threats to their critical infrastructure amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
