Sweden has accused China of obstructing an investigation into the cutting of two undersea cables in the Baltic Sea by denying Swedish prosecutors access to a Chinese ship suspected of involvement, reports The Guardian.
Ship Tracking
A Chinese-flagged cargo ship that was under investigation for its potential involvement in the recent undersea cable cuts in the Baltic Sea, has departed from its anchorage.
The ship was observed sailing over the affected undersea cables around the time they were severed. Following this, it remained anchored in the Kattegat strait for over a month while under scrutiny by multiple countries. Despite the ongoing investigation, the vessel departed on Saturday. China has since confirmed the ship’s departure, citing the need to ensure the well-being of the crew.
The Swedish foreign minister, Maria Malmer Stenergard, said on Monday that China had not cooperated with Sweden’s request to allow Swedish prosecutors onboard.
“Swedish police have been onboard and attended as an observer in connection with the Chinese investigation,” she said. “The state’s accident commission took part in its role as the accident investigation authority. At the same time I can note that China has not listened to our request that the prosecutor should be able to conduct a preliminary investigation onboard.
“Our request that Swedish prosecutors, together with the police and others, be allowed to take certain investigative measures within the framework of the investigation on board remains. We have been clear with China on this.”
Earlier on Monday, China pledged to continue its cooperation with regional authorities over the ship. “The shipowner company, after a comprehensive evaluation and consultation with relevant parties, decided to resume operations,” Mao Ning, a foreign ministry spokesperson told AFP. “China has notified all relevant countries in advance. China is willing to maintain communication and cooperation with the countries involved to advance the follow-up handling of the incident.”
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Source: The Guardian
