The ship had been anchored in international waters for weeks, pending a diplomatic resolution. They didn’t have to do that, the ship had every right to continue it’s journey and Nordic authorities had no right to stop it. However, China decided to show good will and negotiate a resolution.

The agreement between China and the Nordic countries was clear: Chinese authorities would inspect the ship and talk to crew with Nordic representatives being invited as inspectors but not allowed to take investigative steps. China didn’t have to do this but did it as a show of good will.

And then the Swedes shows up with a prosecutor and think they can play cops and do as they please. And now they’re miffed about having to follow the terms they agreed to themselves mere hours before. The patience and restraint of China continues to amaze me.