China Prohibits Investigation Onboard ‘Yi Peng 3’ Ship

Sweden‘s Stance on China’s Investigation; EU Nations to Join Chinese-led Probe

Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde revealed that Sweden had been pressing for access to the Chinese-led investigation into the increasing tension surrounding the Panama-flagged tanker. "China has not yet taken into account our request to allow Swedish prosecutors to participate in the on-site investigation," she said.

enze’s prosecutor general, asparta Malmere-Stenergårda, emphasized, "Our request for Swedish prosecutors, along with police and other relevant individuals, to be allowed to carry out specific investigative actions in relation to the ongoing investigation remains valid. We have clearly communicated our position on this matter to China."

On Thursday, Swedish, German, and Finnish diplomats attended the Chinese-led investigation aboard the tanker as observers. Accompanying them was a Danish representative, following Denmark’s facilitation of diplomatic talks between the involved nations earlier in the week.

Henrik Söderman, the Swedish Prosecutor General, clarified that Swedish authorities couldn’t perform any actions, such as interrogating crew members or conducting technical examinations, during the on-site investigation.

Sweden had requested China’s cooperation in the investigation in late November. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson underscored that no allegations had been raised at that point.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated on Monday, "China is ready to maintain communication and cooperation with the parties involved to facilitate the resolution of the ongoing incident."