Sweden calls on Chinese ship to return for undersea cable probe.

Sweden has requested a Chinese vessel, the Yi Peng 3, to return to Swedish waters to aid in the investigation of recent breaches of undersea fiber-optic cables in the Baltic Sea. The damaged cables linked Finland to Germany and Sweden to Lithuania, with Germany’s defense minister suspecting sabotage. The ship, which corresponded with the time and place of the breaches, is currently in Danish waters. China has stated that communication with Sweden and other relevant parties is open and supports maintaining the security of international submarine cables. Western intelligence officials believe the Chinese ship caused the cuts, but there are differing opinions on whether they were accidents or deliberate. U.S. Naval Intelligence considers them accidents, while others do not rule out sabotage. Despite the high number of yearly cable breaches, an investigation is considered necessary due to regional tensions. Russia has denied any involvement in the incidents. Finland previously experienced damage to cables in 2023, suspected to be caused by a Chinese ship, but investigators have not determined whether it was accidental or intentional. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson hopes China will comply with the request to move the vessel to Swedish waters for further inspection.

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