Vortex: Patt auf See

Submission Statement: A stand-off at sea is unfolding between Russia, China, and NATO countries over the Chinese-owned bulk carrier Yi Peng 3, which was detained by NATO naval vessels on suspicion of deliberately cutting two data cables in the Baltic Sea. Russia has sent a corvette to conduct electronic surveillance, while China refuses to allow Western officials to question the crew. The incident is a classic “gray zone” attack, falling below the threshold of armed conflict, but Western countries are struggling to respond effectively due to concerns over international law and the risk of escalating tensions with China.