Baltic Sea Cables

Is this all about Lithuania recognizing Taiwan? Is this Chinese origin or Russian origin that this has happened twice now? First time a gas pipeline and a cable and now a pair of cables, both cases Chinese ships with Russians on board dragging anchors for extended periods. That doesn't happen on a ship and go unnoticed.

Are underwater pipelines, cables being sabotaged in the Baltic Sea? Why? | Russia-Ukraine war News | Al Jazeera

In April 2023, a joint investigation by the public broadcasters of Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland claimed that Russia had deployed a fleet of suspected spy ships in the Baltic Sea to carry out sabotage operations. Moscow, in turn, accused the United States and its allies, while German and US media outlets reported that pro-Ukrainian actors may have played a role.
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Just over a year after the Nord Stream pipeline explosions in October 2023, the Balticconnector gas pipeline connecting Finland and Estonia – jointly owned by Estonian electricity and gas system operator Elering and Finnish gas transmission system operator Gasgrid – was damaged in an undersea incident. Nearby data cables were also reported to have been ruptured.

Investigators in Finland and Estonia alleged that a Chinese container ship dragging its anchor along the sea bed had caused the damage, which took six months to repair. They did not state whether they believed the damage was intentional.


Undersea Cable Mystery Deepens Tensions; China Warns Retaliation Against Lithuania

Lithuania has recently escalated tensions with China by expelling three Chinese embassy staff members. Lithuania’s foreign ministry announced this significant step on Friday, citing the individuals’ actions as violations of the Vienna Convention and Lithuanian laws. However, it did not disclose specific details about these violations, keeping the reasons shrouded in mystery.

The announcement came amid growing concerns over the recent damage to vital Baltic Sea cable, which has added another layer of strain to Lithuania-China relations.

China responded swiftly and strongly, condemning the expulsions as an aggressive and provocative act. A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry stated that Lithuania’s decision undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese government called on Lithuania to reverse its actions and avoid further complications in their bilateral relations. China also denied any involvement in the Baltic Sea cable damage, which had earlier sparked suspicions of a Chinese ship’s potential role in the incident.

This diplomatic standoff has further strained ties between the two nations, which were already tense due to Lithuania’s policies on Taiwan. The situation is further complicated by Lithuania’s ongoing participation in investigations into the damaged cable, alongside Sweden and Finland. In recent years, Lithuania has taken a firm stance, making decisions that Beijing views as direct challenges to its authority and international standing.