China acknowledges damage to Balticconnector gas pipeline by Newnew Polar Bear amid Russian involvement concerns

China recently acknowledged reports that the Chinese-owned freighter, Newnew Polar Bear, damaged the Balticconnector gas pipeline last October. However, this admission does not rule out Russian involvement, according to Professor Veli-Pekka Tynkkynen, who studies Russia’s environmental and resource policies at the Aleksanteri Institute and the National Defence University in Helsinki.

Tynkkynen stated that the incident is undoubtedly connected to Russia, as the ship had a Russian crew and was bound for a Russian port. He emphasized that the gas pipeline damage must be viewed within a broader context concerning Russia, which has been suspected of sabotaging critical infrastructure in Europe, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. He noted that it is beneficial for Russia that the vessel is Chinese-owned, making direct accountability more complex. This ambiguity complicates legal responses from a rule-of-law perspective, particularly for a country like Finland.

China’s acknowledgment can be seen as both a gesture towards de-escalation and a strategic move. Tynkkynen pointed out that making the issue public was a political decision that allows China to portray itself as having made a “good gesture.” Should the investigation continue, China might argue that Europe harbors Russophobia and is hostile to China.

The situation also poses a test for Finland, Estonia, and the European Union regarding whether to pursue the investigation further or dismiss it based on China’s report. Estonia’s judicial communication director, Kairi Küngas, clarified that the Chinese report cannot be used as evidence in Estonia’s criminal investigation, as Chinese authorities did not invite Estonian investigators to participate. Meanwhile, the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation confirmed that their inquiry is ongoing. Tynkkynen suggested that Finland could consider additional responses, such as diplomatic compensation claims for the damaged pipeline, which would send a message to both China and Russia.