Chinese Ship Suspected of Sabotaging Baltic Cables

A Chinese cargo ship, Yi Peng 3, is suspected of deliberately severing two undersea data cables in the Baltic Sea, an action that European officials believe might be linked to Russian orchestration. The ship reportedly dragged its anchor for over 100 miles, cutting cables connecting Sweden to Lithuania and Finland to Germany on November 17 and 18. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has indicated that this incident is likely sabotage, raising concerns about 'hybrid warfare' in Europe, which many officials believe the continent is unprepared for. Investigators are examining whether Russian intelligence influenced the ship's captain, while NATO warships have surrounded the vessel as they continue their inquiry. The ship's owner is cooperating, but Western intelligence officials currently do not suspect the Chinese government was involved in the operation. The incident marks a significant escalation in tensions regarding undersea infrastructure security amidst ongoing geopolitical strife.