Chinese Vessel Suspected in Baltic Sea Cable Sabotage as Europe Investigates Undersea Damage

Nov 19, 2024, 02:30 PM

Multiple undersea fiber-optic communication cables in the Baltic Sea have been damaged, raising concerns among European nations about potential sabotage and hybrid warfare. A cable between Finland and Germany, known as C-Lion1, and another between Lithuania and Sweden were severed in incidents reported on November 18-19, 2024. The incidents reduced Telia's internet capacity by 30%, according to Telia's Chief Technology Officer, Andrius Šemeškevičius. Germany and Finland issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the severed cables. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described the damage as a 'very clear sign that something is afoot' and suggested it appeared to be sabotage. The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom held a press conference to address the situation. Authorities are investigating the involvement of a Chinese bulk carrier, 'Yi Peng 3,' which was in the vicinity of the damaged cables at the time of the incidents. The Danish Navy is reported to be shadowing and possibly boarding the vessel as part of the investigation. European governments have accused Russia of intensifying hybrid attacks following the incidents. The damage to the undersea cables has heightened concerns about the security of critical infrastructure in the region.