On or before December 22, 2024, Russian intelligence reportedly conducted sabotage operations using Chinese-flagged ships, first the Newnew Polar Bear and then the Yi Peng 3, near Swedish waters. The Yi Peng 3 vessel never entered Swedish waters but was observed by Swedish, Danish, German, and Finnish authorities who were allowed only to observe onboard and not investigate. Notably, investigators were denied access to the ship's anchor, and Chinese investigators were also present aboard. The ship subsequently departed, heading towards Egypt. The sabotage is considered a joint hybrid operation by Russia and China, exploiting the reluctance of affected countries to take stronger countermeasures. Authorities stressed the need for increased intelligence sharing and enhanced protection of critical infrastructure in response. No direct attribution by officials is cited, but the narrative suggests sophisticated Sino-Russian coordination targeting Baltic security.

On or before December 22, 2024, Russian intelligence reportedly conducted sabotage operations using Chinese-flagged ships, first the Newnew Polar Bear and then the Yi Peng 3, near Swedish waters. The Yi Peng 3 vessel never entered Swedish waters but was observed by Swedish, Danish, German, and Finnish authorities who were allowed only to observe onboard and not investigate. Notably, investigators were denied access to the ship's anchor, and Chinese investigators were also present aboard. The ship subsequently departed, heading towards Egypt. The sabotage is considered a joint hybrid operation by Russia and China, exploiting the reluctance of affected countries to take stronger countermeasures. Authorities stressed the need for increased intelligence sharing and enhanced protection of critical infrastructure in response. No direct attribution by officials is cited, but the narrative suggests sophisticated Sino-Russian coordination targeting Baltic security.