STOCKHOLM — On Thursday, Swedish police announced their plan to act as observers during investigations being conducted by Chinese authorities on a Chinese-flagged vessel located in the Baltic Sea. This ship was present near the site where two underwater data cables sustained damage last month.

At the end of November, Sweden’s prime minister indicated that the country had officially requested cooperation from China to clarify the situation regarding the cable breakage, which occurred in Swedish territorial waters.

The investigation into the cable damage is being carried out by authorities from Sweden, Finland, and Lithuania, while Germany’s defense minister has hinted at possible sabotage as the cause of the incident.

The Yi Peng 3, a bulk carrier, is currently anchored in the waters between Sweden and Denmark.

In their announcement, Swedish police stated that representatives from China are conducting their investigations aboard the ship and have invited Swedish officials to observe the proceedings. However, they did not provide specific details regarding the nature of these investigations. They emphasized that they will not be involved in any investigative activities themselves on board the vessel. The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority will also be involved in some capacity.

According to the Swedish police, Danish authorities are overseeing arrangements for this observation visit.