The proposal for a police mission reflects growing concerns among Baltic states about security threats to critical infrastructure, particularly in the wake of geopolitical tensions involving Russia and China.
The investigation into the Yi Peng 3 highlights the complexities of maritime security in the Baltic Sea, where international cooperation is crucial for addressing potential threats.
If the police mission is established, it could enhance security cooperation among Baltic and Nordic countries, potentially deterring future incidents.
The ongoing investigations may lead to increased scrutiny of maritime activities in the region, particularly involving vessels from nations perceived as threats.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has proposed the establishment of a police mission in the Baltic Sea to safeguard critical infrastructure during a summit with Baltic and Nordic leaders in Sweden. This proposal follows the severing of two submarine cables on November 17 and 18, which has been characterized as sabotage. Sweden is currently investigating the incident, focusing on the Chinese cargo ship, Yi Peng 3, which was immobilized in international waters near Denmark.
The summit included leaders from Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland, all of whom expressed interest in the initiative. Tusk emphasized the shared security concerns regarding critical infrastructure and strategic resources in the Baltic Sea, particularly in light of increasing tensions since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Danish Navy and Swedish Coast Guard are monitoring the Yi Peng 3, which has been in the Kattegat Strait for over a week. Lithuania has announced a joint investigation team with Sweden and Finland to determine if the cable damage was caused by deliberate acts of sabotage or terrorism. Reports suggest that the Yi Peng 3 may have dragged its anchor across the seabed, leading to the cable severance.
