NATO is investigating the Chinese ship suspected of deliberately damaging the undersea cables connecting some of its members.

Western officials believe Moscow most likely orchestrated the Baltic Sea incident as part of growing efforts to cripple key maritime infrastructure.

The Russian and Chinese governments have both denied any involvement with the incident, though sources claim the damage is consistent with an intentional act of sabotage.

A Chinese commercial vessel that has been surrounded by European warships in international waters for a week is central to an investigation of suspected sabotage that threatens to test the limits of maritime law—and heighten tensions between Beijing and European capitals.