International scandal over damaged cables in the Baltic Sea: what’s next?

Denmark dispatched a naval vessel to monitor a Chinese ship, diplomatic officials raised suspicions of sabotage, China pledged cooperation to resolve the matter, and Lithuania launched an investigation - this sums up the recent developments surrounding the Baltic Sea incident, where two undersea telecommunications cables were impaired.

The cables, connecting Lithuania to Sweden and Finland to Germany, were damaged on Sunday and Monday within Sweden’s economic zone.

Swedish authorities have identified the crew of the Chinese ship Yi Peng 3 as the main suspects. Danish military forces confirmed their presence in the Kattegat Strait, where the ship was spotted.

The incident has sparked regional discussions about invoking Articles 4 and 5 of the NATO Treaty, which pertain to consultations and collective defense, amid concerns over the security of critical underwater infrastructure.

In response, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Beijing will act in accordance with international law while emphasizing the need to protect the rights and interests of Chinese vessels.

Lithuania’s Prosecutor General has opened an investigation, joining Germany, Sweden, and Finland, which have also committed to examining the situation.

Meanwhile, investigations continue into the damage caused last fall to a pipeline between Estonia and Finland, where the Chinese container ship NewNew Polar Bear is suspected of involvement.

Source: IAR/PAP

(m p)

Read more about this subject:

• Two underwater cables in the Baltic Sea damaged, authorities suspect sabotage