China’s Support for Russia Strains European Relations: Leaders Call for Stronger EU Response
China’s support for Russia is straining its relations with Europe, according to leaders from Nordic and Baltic countries. They are calling for the EU to take stronger action against hybrid warfare, including attacks on critical infrastructure.
A Chinese ship is involved in the recent severing of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea. This incident marks the second time in over a year that a Chinese vessel is suspected of damaging infrastructure in this region.
Prime ministers from Finland and Sweden have not yet determined the cause of damage to the data cables connecting Finland and Germany, and Sweden and Lithuania. They are conducting a joint investigation. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo expressed concern over China’s increasing support for Russia, stating that it negatively impacts Sino-European relations.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized the need for an impartial investigation into these incidents, highlighting that China’s backing of Russia affects its business relations and diplomatic opportunities in Europe.
Some European nations had hoped to avoid getting caught in the geopolitical tensions between the US and China. However, reports indicate that China may be supplying military equipment to Russia, raising concerns in Europe. China denies these claims and accuses the West of escalating the conflict.
The bulk carrier Yi Peng 3 has been under scrutiny. Its anchor appears damaged in recent footage, and it was near the sites where cables were cut. Swedish, Danish, and German vessels are monitoring the ship. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has called on China to move the ship to Swedish waters for investigation.
China has stated that its communication channels with Sweden remain open and that it supports safeguarding international submarine cables according to international law. Last year, another Chinese vessel damaged a gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea, although authorities have not confirmed if that incident was deliberate.
Europe has witnessed recent acts of sabotage and hybrid warfare, often attributed to Russia. The leaders from the Nordic and Baltic nations agree that Europe needs a stronger, coordinated response to these hybrid threats. They assert that perceived politeness may be seen as weakness, which Russia exploits.
Orpo insists that all European countries must acknowledge ongoing hybrid attacks from Russia. He urges Europe to prepare for all types of threats and react decisively to avoid showing weakness.