China says ready to cooperate with all parties on Nord Stream pipeline leaks

VIA REUTERS UNITED NATIONS China is very concerned about the recent leaks and powerful underwater explosions on the Nord Stream gas pipeline, and is ready to cooperate with all parties to ensure the safety of cross-border infrastructure, a Chinese envoy said on Friday.

The Nord Stream pipeline is the main artery for energy transportation in Europe, providing vital gas supply to 23 European countries. The leaks have exacerbated the energy supply shortages in Europe, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, at a Security Council meeting.

The impact on the shipping routes and environmental environment of the water involved is still playing out, and leaks are still going on. This is a great and tragic calamity that we don't wish to see at the time when Europe and the world are facing a proliferation of intractable challenges.

We have noted that some countries indicated that the leaks this time are not an accident, but very likely the result of deliberate sabotage. If true, this would constitute an attack on transnational civilian facilities and submarine pipelines, in violation of the United NationsUnited Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international laws, he said.

He said that all stakeholders agree that an objective, impartial, and professional investigation into the leaks is essential.