Sweden Accuses China of Obstructing Cable Investigation

Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard announced that China has denied a request for Swedish prosecutors to investigate the Yi Peng 3, a Chinese ship linked to the severing of two undersea cables in the Baltic Sea. The cables were cut on November 17 and 18, raising suspicions about the ship, which had been tracked in the vicinity at the time. While China claims to have cooperated by providing information and inviting relevant countries, Stenergard emphasized that Swedish authorities have not been granted access to conduct a proper investigation. The Yi Peng 3 has since resumed its voyage to Port Said, Egypt, citing the well-being of its crew as the reason for departure. The incident has heightened tensions between Sweden and China, with both sides at odds over the transparency of the inquiry and the access afforded to Swedish officials. Beijing has expressed willingness to maintain communication with involved countries despite the ongoing disagreements.