China Denies Sweden’s Claims Of Not Cooperating In Baltic Sea Cable Damage Investigation

China has now denied Sweden’s claim that it blocked a full investigation of the suspected Chinese ship in the Baltic Sea subsea cable damage case, saying that it has fully cooperated in the investigation that raised concerns about the sabotage.

The cables, one linking Finland and Germany and the other connecting Sweden and Lithuania, were damaged in November, initiating a joint inquiry involving several nations.

On Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that China had provided relevant documents and invited Denmark, Finland, Germany, and Sweden to participate in and complete the investigation.

Mao also clarified that the Chinese bulk carrier Yi Peng 3, which came under suspicion had been suspended for over a month to assist with the inquiry.

Sweden, however, criticised Beijing’s handling of the case. Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard reportedly said that China had denied Swedish prosecutors full access to conduct investigative measures aboard the ship.

Prosecutor Henrik Soderman added that no questioning of crew members or technical investigations had been allowed as part of Sweden’s judicial inquiry.

Last week, the Yi Peng 3 resumed its journey after consultations with all parties. Mao said that the decision was made to safeguard the physical and mental health of the crew while maintaining cooperation.

Investigators monitored the ship after it was tracked sailing over the damaged cables on November 15, just two days before the breaches were detected.

The vessel had departed from the Russian port of Ust-Luga, which further added to suspicions.

European officials, including German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, have said that the damage was likely sabotage, possibly linked to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Moscow has dismissed these claims as “absurd” and “laughable”.

Representatives from Denmark, Finland, Germany, and Sweden were allowed to board the ship as observers for an investigation led by China. Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the country facilitated discussions between the parties involved.

China has reiterated its commitment to communicate and cooperate with the affected countries. However, Swedish officials say further access is necessary to complete their investigation.

References: Reuters, Aljazeera

Source: Maritime Shipping News