China has, for the first time, acknowledged that the Chinese-owned cargo ship Newnew Polar Bear was responsible for damaging the Balticconnector gas pipeline last October, according to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
Chinese authorities stated that the damage caused by the ship was accidental, resulting from a severe storm. An internal investigation by China has been conducted, with the findings shared with relevant parties, SCMP reported. However, the report produced by Chinese investigators cannot be used as evidence in ongoing investigations by Estonia and Finland.
In an interview with the SCMP, Kairi Küngas, head of public relations for the Estonian prosecutor's office, confirmed that Estonia had not received the report. She stressed that "in no case can it be used as evidence in Estonia's criminal investigation," as Chinese authorities had not invited Estonian investigators to participate in the probe.
"We have submitted a request for legal assistance to collect evidence from the vessel and its crew. To fulfil this request, Chinese authorities can either conduct the investigation themselves or involve Estonian investigators," Küngas said. "The Chinese authorities have yet to respond to the request."
Anna Zareff, spokesperson for Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), declined to confirm to SCMP whether the NBI had received the Chinese investigation report. She noted that Finland’s investigation is ongoing.
"In the course of the investigation, there has been cooperation with Chinese authorities, including a request for legal assistance," Zareff said in a written statement.
"It must be noted that the investigation is still ongoing, and final conclusions about the incident can only be made once all necessary investigative measures have been completed. This will take some time."
The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs directed inquiries to the NBI for further information on the case.
According to Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen (NCP) the investigation into the pipeline damage is still ongoing, which is why she has not commented on the details of the case.
Valtonen's special adviser told Finnish News Agency STT that Finland is continuously cooperating with China and exchanging information.
