Yi Peng 3, which is still anchored in the Kattegat in Danish waters on Sunday, is of interest to the Swedish police in the preliminary investigation into the suspected sabotage of the cables.
All evidence points to the Chinese vessel. It has reduced its speed from 6.9 to 3.4 knots around the destroyed cables and was in a Russian harbor before sailing out into the Baltic Sea, says Kaarsbo, former chief analyst at the Danish defense intelligence service.
"Would be surprised"
The pattern is not new. A year ago, a leak was discovered on the Balticconnector gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia. Finnish police pointed out the Chinese-flagged vessel Newnew Polar Bear as responsible. The vessel was on its way from Kaliningrad to St. Petersburg when the leak is believed to have occurred.
But China's role as a state is highly unclear in both cases, emphasizes Kaarsbo.
I believe that Russia has hired the vessel and crew. I find it hard to see that China would seek a confrontation and actively participate in a hybrid war. I don't think they have planned the sabotage but rather turned a blind eye.
In the war between Ukraine and Russia, they have had a more accepting role and leaned back.
Should board
Yi Peng 3 has been monitored by the Danish navy since Tuesday. The Swedish and German coastguards are also on site.
Danish authorities have not responded to why the vessel is lying still in the Kattegat with the Danish defense as company. Kaarsbo believes they are considering a boarding.
Denmark is a maritime nation and does not want to risk violating any vessel and going against maritime law.
He himself believes that Danish authorities should get to the bottom of the suspicions.
If we don't board vessels that are suspected, Russia, the Chinese, or whoever is behind this will be able to continue and hide behind maritime law.
