A Chinese vessel is suspected to have been close to a major undersea gas pipeline when it developed a sudden leak in the Gulf of Finland, it was revealed today.
Previous reports had focused on possible Russian sabotage to the Baltic Connector gas pipeline, linking NATO states Finland and Estonia, which Finnish authorities expect to be out of service for months after discovering it had been damaged earlier this month.
Vladimir Putin described the charge as 'complete nonsense' despite the presence of the Russian oil tanker SGV Float close to the scene, and Finnish claims that a 'state actor' was likely involved.
But now Estonian state broadcaster ERR said the container ship Newnew Polar Bear was closer to the pipeline at the key moment.
Estonian daily Postimees said the vessel - sailing under the Hong Kong flag but belonging to China - was in the vicinity of the Baltic Connector pipeline when 'seismic' activity was recorded in the area.
A coincidence, I'm sure. Just like when the Russian pipelines were blown up.
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