In brief
A Chinese bulk carrier, Yi Peng 3, has become the focal point of an investigation following the severing of two undersea cables in the Baltic Sea. While U.S. intelligence indicates no intentional damage, European authorities are considering sabotage as a possibility.
A bulk carrier named Yi Peng 3, flying the Chinese flag, finds itself anchored in the Baltic Sea under close surveillance by naval and coast guard vessels from several European nations. This unusual situation emerged following the cutting of two undersea fiber-optic cables, prompting investigations by a task force comprising Finland, Sweden, and Lithuania.Authorities are exploring whether the ship's crew may have inadvertently severed the cables while dragging its anchor along the seabed. In a recent update, the Swedish police stated that while their inquiry into the incident has concluded, the investigation remains active. However, no findings have been made public as of yet.Notably, American intelligence analysts believe that the cables were not intentionally severed. Nonetheless, European officials maintain that sabotage cannot be ruled out. "The preliminary investigation was initiated because it cannot be ruled out that the cables were deliberately damaged," commented Per Engström, the superintendent of the Swedish police, in a statement released on Wednesday. "The current classification of the crime is sabotage, though this may change," he added.Meanwhile, Denmark has confirmed that it is engaged in continuous dialogues with various countries, including China, regarding the ongoing investigations. This incident has sparked concern in Europe, which is already on high alert due to a string of suspected sabotage actions, including arson attacks and vandalism, often attributed to Russian intelligence activities. Last month, Western officials revealed a Russian plot to attach incendiary devices to cargo planes, adding to the growing unease across the continent.
