Everything you need to know about the Yi Peng 3 and cable damage in the Baltic Sea

The world’s eyes are now centered on the Kattegat, where the Chinese vessel “Yi Peng 3” is under scrutiny for its potential involvement in the sabotage of underwater cables in the Baltic Sea. Both Russian and Chinese authorities have denied any connections to the incidents, but the situation has raised significant concerns.

Investigation into cable damage

Officials began investigating after two crucial underwater communication cables suffered damage. These cables link Finland to Germany and Sweden to Lithuania, intersecting in the Baltic Sea. The presence of the “Yi Peng 3” has drawn attention, as publicly available ship data indicates it passed near the damaged cables shortly before the incidents occurred.

Troels Lund Poulsen, Denmark’s Defense Minister, addressed the issue, stating, “I see this matter with great seriousness, and the relevant Danish authorities are focused on the situation.” However, he refrained from offering additional comments.

Swedish authorities confirm interest

Swedish authorities have also confirmed their interest in the “Yi Peng 3” concerning the investigations. Carl-Oskar Bohlin, Sweden’s Civil Defence Minister, stated, “We can verify that military and Coast Guard units have detected vessel movements matching the timing and location of the disruptions.” The collaboration among the region’s military and security forces highlights the gravity of the situation.

Routes and concerns

Tracking data shows that the “Yi Peng 3” spent several days docked at a Russian port before navigating southward through the Baltic Sea. Currently, it is sailing in the Kattegat, where Danish naval vessels are keeping a close watch. The timing of the ship’s movements raises suspicions about its possible involvement in the cable damage.

Investigative focus on the Vessel’s route

Anders Lomholt, a defense correspondent for TV 2, noted that authorities from Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark find the vessel’s route particularly intriguing. He explained that the ship’s path closely aligns with the areas where the damage to the cables occurred. “The route matches the destruction found,” he said. Consequently, the Danish Navy has been monitoring the “Yi Peng 3” as it travels through the Kattegat.

Despite this scrutiny, it remains unclear whether the Chinese ship is acting under orders to stop or if it halted voluntarily. Lomholt emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is a matter that attracts global attention and has significant implications for Denmark.”

Details of the investigation

Peter Møller, the digital intelligence correspondent for TV 2, has been tracking the vessel’s movements for several hours. He noted, “The timing is crucial, with a maximum interval of ten minutes between when the two cables suffered reported damage and when the Chinese ship passed by their location.” Møller pointed out that such coincidences raise suspicion regarding the vessel’s involvement in the cable damage.

While one cable lies at a depth of 170 meters, Møller stated that it is “very deep” if someone attempted to sabotage the cable using an anchor chain, complicating the narrative surrounding these incidents.

Denial of involvement

In response to the allegations, Chinese authorities have denied any involvement in sabotage activities. Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, “China has always fulfilled its obligations and requires its vessels to comply strictly with maritime law.”

Similarly, Dmitrij Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, has rejected accusations that Russia is involved in the damage to the cables. He remarked that continual baseless allegations against Russia without documentation are absurd.

Reactions and investigations

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has also commented on the situation, expressing his serious concern. He stated, “We are closely monitoring this situation. We have witnessed two cable breaks, and we take this matter seriously while remaining in close contact with the respective countries.” He further noted, “Seeing two cable breaks occur out of nowhere is, of course, a serious issue in today’s world, where one cannot be surprised by much.”

Moreover, Finnish authorities have initiated an investigation into the damage to a data cable linking Finland to Germany via the Baltic Sea. Swedish police have also begun their own investigation, suspecting that the incidents may indicate “deliberate” sabotage.

Source: TV2

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