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Another Undersea Sabotage and Why it Involves China
In November 2024, the Baltic Sea became the focal point of a significant geopolitical incident when two undersea telecommunications cables were severed within a short timeframe. This event not only disrupted vital internet connections between key European nations but also raised serious questions about the security of critical infrastructure in an era marked by hybrid warfare and international tensions. Central to this incident is the involvement of a Chinese vessel, the Yi Peng 3, which has drawn scrutiny and speculation regarding its role in the cable cuts.
Overview of the Incident
On November 17 and 18, 2024, two undersea cables — the BCS East-West Interlink, connecting Lithuania and Sweden, and the C-Lion1, linking Finland and Germany — were cut in Swedish waters. The timing and location of these incidents led to immediate suspicions of sabotage, particularly given the geopolitical climate following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and ongoing tensions with NATO countries. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius remarked that the cuts were likely not accidental, suggesting deliberate action had taken place [1].
The Role of the Yi Peng 3
The Yi Peng 3, a Chinese-flagged bulk carrier, was reported to be in the vicinity of the cable cuts around the…
