Sweden intensifies Baltic Sea sabotage investigation with request to Chinese vessel

Sweden has requested the return of a Chinese vessel, the Yi Peng 3, to Swedish waters to assist in the investigation of recent undersea cable damage in the Baltic Sea. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed this development, stressing that while the ship’s involvement is being scrutinised, no formal accusations have been made.

This follows incidents on November 17-18, 2024, when two key subsea fibre-optic cables—one connecting Finland and Germany and another linking Sweden to Lithuania—were damaged within a 24-hour period. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has stated that these breaches are likely acts of sabotage, reflecting growing concerns over the security of Europe’s undersea communication infrastructure.

The vessel under suspicion

The Yi Peng 3, a 225-metre-long bulk carrier, was in the vicinity of both damaged cables when the incidents occurred. The ship, which had departed from the Russian port of Ust-Luga shortly before the cables were compromised, is currently anchored in international waters between Sweden and Denmark. Swedish authorities believe the ship’s proximity to the breaches warrants further examination, especially given prior incidents of similar nature involving Chinese vessels in the Baltic region.

Diplomatic talks are ongoing between Swedish and Chinese authorities to secure permission to inspect the vessel. Officials have described the negotiations as cooperative but acknowledge they are likely to take time. Sweden’s call for the ship’s return is framed as a procedural necessity rather than an accusation, according to Prime Minister Kristersson.

Rising fears over Baltic Sea infrastructure

The Baltic Sea has become a focal point for geopolitical tension, with its network of undersea cables and pipelines increasingly vulnerable to sabotage. The recent incidents echo an October 2023 event involving the Chinese vessel Newnew Polar Bear, which was implicated in damaging a gas pipeline and communication cables. These recurring threats have amplified calls for tighter maritime security and coordinated international efforts.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has suggested establishing joint naval patrols across Nordic and Baltic nations to deter such incidents. He also proposed the formation of a maritime equivalent to NATO’s Baltic air patrols, highlighting the need for Europe to bolster its own security measures independently of the United States.

Impacts and broader implications

The damaged cables, critical for digital communications and data flow across Europe, underscore the fragility of undersea infrastructure. The Finland-Germany connection spans over 1,200 kilometres, while the Sweden-Lithuania link measures 135 kilometres. The breaches have disrupted communication networks, raising alarms about Europe’s preparedness to safeguard these essential systems.

While investigations are ongoing, maritime experts suggest the involvement of state or non-state actors in acts of sabotage, with potential motives ranging from geopolitical manoeuvring to economic disruption. The role of the Yi Peng 3 is a central piece of the puzzle, as authorities work to determine whether the vessel’s proximity to the damage sites is coincidental or intentional.

Securing Europe’s maritime future

Sweden’s response to the cable damage incidents highlights the growing need for a unified European strategy to protect critical infrastructure in contested waters like the Baltic Sea. As Swedish and German officials deepen their investigations, the international community will closely watch how nations balance security concerns with diplomatic relations, particularly involving countries like China and Russia.

Sweden’s request for the Yi Peng 3 reflects a commitment to transparency and international collaboration in addressing these breaches. As Europe grapples with these escalating threats, bolstered maritime security and comprehensive investigations remain essential to safeguarding the infrastructure underpinning the continent’s digital economy.