On October 4th, discussions at the United Nations Security Council centered on the Nord Stream pipeline incident. During the session, Geng Shuang, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, voiced concerns about the potential for evidence to be concealed or destroyed, urging all relevant parties to promptly share updates and findings from the ongoing investigation.
Geng highlighted that the explosion of the Nord Stream pipeline two years ago sent shockwaves around the globe. He underscored that this act of sabotage against a crucial energy infrastructure has had dire implications for global energy supply, marine ecosystems, and maritime safety. Over the past two years, the international community has been attentively observing the investigation’s progress, with the Security Council conducting multiple reviews. Many nations, China included, have consistently pressed for an objective, impartial, and thorough inquiry to uncover the truth and hold accountable those responsible for this incident, with the aim of preventing future occurrences. Unfortunately, Geng lamented, a clear conclusion remains out of reach.
He pointed out that the Security Council has debated whether to pursue an international investigation or allow individual countries to conduct their inquiries. Some members have opposed the idea of an international probe, advocating for trust in Sweden, Denmark, and Germany to carry out their national investigations. However, he noted that both Sweden and Denmark have recently announced the end of their inquiries, providing only vague and insufficient information. Meanwhile, Germany’s investigation is still ongoing, yet it lacks definitive conclusions, leaving the public to rely on media speculation. Geng raised concerns about whether there are hidden motives behind the initial opposition to an international investigation and whether evidence has been obscured or destroyed over the past two years. He underscored the critical need for transparency about when the trust and time invested would ultimately lead to the truth surrounding this incident.
Geng expressed China’s support for a draft statement circulated by Russia regarding the explosion, while welcoming any amendments based on feedback from Security Council members. He emphasized that the current draft objectively presents the facts, takes various concerns into account, and is generally balanced. Geng urged all parties to expedite consultations and reach a consensus on the draft to effectively communicate a clear message to the public.
Moreover, Geng outlined three main hopes from China concerning the Nord Stream incident. First, he called on Germany to swiftly provide updates and results from their investigation through official channels. Second, he urged the involved nations to actively engage and collaborate with Russia, the primary party implicated in the incident, to prevent the politicization of the investigation. Finally, he stressed the importance of the Security Council maintaining its focus on this issue, avoiding half-hearted conclusions and double standards.
The Nord Stream gas pipeline, which runs from Russia through the Baltic Sea directly to Germany, transports gas to Europe. On September 26, 2022, the pipeline experienced underwater explosions near Danish and Swedish waters, leading to a significant gas leak. Initial investigations suggested that three of the four pipelines were compromised due to suspected sabotage. In response, Denmark, Sweden, and Germany launched separate national investigations, excluding Russia from participation. Earlier this year, Sweden and Denmark announced the termination of their inquiries, while Germany indicated that its investigation would continue.
