Did China cut undersea Internet cables as ship leaves without…, mystery deepens

New Delhi: Who is responsible for damaging the fiber optic cables in the Baltic Sea? There is growing suspicion that the internet cables were intentionally severed by a Chinese cargo ship, ‘Yi Peng 3.’ The Yi Peng 3 has been stationed in the Kattegat Strait between Sweden and Denmark for several months. The cargo is used to carry grains from Russia. Recently, the ship moved northward and left the area.

Swedish authorities had requested permission from Chinese officials to investigate the ship further, but it was denied. The Chinese side stated that this action was taken to ensure the physical and mental well-being of the crew.

Who cut the internet cables?

A major internet link connecting Finland and Germany suddenly went down on November 17. A day later, on November 18, another link between Sweden and Lithuania also stopped working. According to the Swedish investigators, both cables had been cut beneath the sea.

These cables, which are laid on the ocean floor, are crucial for global internet and financial transactions. In such cases, natural disasters or accidents are typically considered, but investigators suspect foul play in this incident.

Swedish and Danish authorities have claimed that the 225-meter-long Chinese ship ‘Yi Peng 3’ may have deliberately damaged the sea cables with its anchor. The investigation also revealed that the ship’s transponder was off at the time the cables were cut.

Officials also mentioned that the ship dragged its anchor across the seabed for nearly 100 miles, which caused its speed to slow down.

China’s ‘dirty trick’:

Taiwan accused China of damaging two cables connecting the Matsu Islands last year. Similarly, Estonia also suspected a Chinese ship of damaging its cables. Now, with the ‘Yi Peng 3’ suddenly leaving the Baltic Sea, it may be difficult to determine whether the recent incident was truly intentional or not.