The damaged cables include a 1,000-kilometre fibre-optic link between Finland and Germany and another connecting Sweden to Lithuania. These disruptions, which occurred last week, have heightened security concerns across Europe.
Chinese vessel under scrutiny
The Yi Peng 3, en route from Russia to Egypt, passed close to the affected areas around the time of the incident. It is now anchored in international waters between Sweden and Denmark, under the watchful eye of the Danish navy. While Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson refrained from directly accusing the vessel, he urged its return for further inspection, stating:
“We absolutely want to know what caused this. It’s not the first time we’ve been hit by a cable break with a slightly unclear basis.”
This call for action comes as Swedish and Finnish authorities jointly investigate the suspected sabotage.
Growing concerns over hybrid warfare
Germany’s Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, has expressed strong suspicions of foul play, commenting: “Nobody believes these cables were accidentally cut. We must conclude that this is a hybrid action and, most likely, sabotage.”
The incidents have reignited fears of hybrid warfare, a tactic often attributed to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, Moscow has dismissed any involvement, labelling such allegations as “ridiculous.”
China denies allegations
Beijing has also denied its involvement, asserting that the Yi Peng 3 is merely a commercial vessel. Denmark’s Foreign Ministry noted ongoing dialogue with all concerned nations, including China, but offered no further specifics.
The Baltic Sea has increasingly become a geopolitical hotspot, with its vital infrastructure—such as submarine cables and energy pipelines—viewed as potential targets in escalating hybrid warfare.
Why this matters
Submarine cables are a backbone of modern communication, carrying vast amounts of high-speed data and forming a critical part of Europe’s internet infrastructure. Any attack or disruption to these cables can have widespread consequences, not just for connectivity but also for economic stability and national security.
Implications for New Zealand
While the incident is unfolding far from New Zealand’s waters, it serves as a wake-up call for the global maritime community, including our nation. New Zealand relies heavily on undersea cables to connect with the world, and any vulnerability in this infrastructure could have significant repercussions.
We now have the resilience, or backup, of two cables beaching in New Zealand, but if these were inadvertently or (more worryingly) intentionally disturbed, our small island nation may revert to Satellite connectivity – easy for those with Starlink, but with much massive demand now existing for high-speed internet, not practical for a whole country.
New Zealand has a number of submarine cables, these are:
In service
One NZ’s Aqualink (green)
Spark’s Nelson to Levin (purple)
Cook Strait (maroon)
One NZ, Spark New Zealand, Telstra all share the Transtasman Global Access Cable from Sydney to Raglan (red)
Southern Cross Cable from Sydney / Auckland / LA (aqua)
Hawaiki Cable from Sydney to Mangawhai, to an assortment of Pacific Islands then Hawaii and mainland US (gey).
Scheduled for 2026 or 2027
In 2026 the Honomoana Calbe from San Deigo in the US to Sydney with a leg to Auckland and French Polynesia.
In 2027 the Tewaiounamu Cable will connect Melborne, Syndey and Invercargill (grey).
Security experts have long warned about the increasing risk of sabotage to vital maritime assets. The Yi Peng 3 incident underscores the importance of vigilance and international cooperation in protecting undersea cables, whether in the Baltic or the Pacific.
As a maritime nation, New Zealand must consider investing in advanced monitoring systems and enhancing cooperation with international partners to safeguard its maritime infrastructure. The incident also serves as a timely reminder to strengthen cybersecurity measures, given that many undersea cables also transmit sensitive financial and governmental data.
A tense standoff
For now, the Yi Peng 3 remains in international waters, its role in the cable severing unclear. As Sweden and its allies ramp up investigations, the event highlights the increasing risks to critical infrastructure in an era of heightened geopolitical tensions.
With submarine cables becoming frontline targets in modern conflict, New Zealand’s maritime community has much to ponder—and to prepare for.
