China on Russia-Germany Gas Pipeline Leak: "Possibility of Deliberate Sabotage... If True, Violation of International Law"

On the 27th of last month (local time), an F-16 fighter jet departing from Bornholm Island, Denmark, captured photos of gas leaking from the Nord Stream 2 underwater gas pipeline in the Nordic Baltic Sea. [Image source=Yonhap News]

China mentioned the "possibility of deliberate sabotage" regarding the consecutive leak incidents at the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 underwater gas pipelines connecting Russia to Germany, stating that "an objective, fair, and professional investigation is urgently needed."

According to the website of the Chinese Mission to the United Nations on the 1st, Deputy Permanent Representative Geng Shuang explained this during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on the Nord Stream leaks held on the 30th of last month (local time) at Russia's request.

Deputy Representative Geng pointed out the worsening European energy supply shortage and environmental pollution caused by the incident, calling it "a massive disaster that we do not want to see and that pains our hearts."

He emphasized, "Based on the information available so far, we note that this leak is more likely due to deliberate sabotage rather than an accident. If that is true, it constitutes a surprise attack on civilian facilities and underwater pipelines between countries, violating international law."

This stance is similar to Russia's position. Regarding the leak, Russia described it as an "international terrorist act" and suggested the possibility of Western countries, including the United States, being behind it. Meanwhile, the United States expressed a principled position that it is premature to judge who is responsible and that uncovering the truth through investigation should come first.