\(C _{k}\)-moves on spatial theta-curves and Vassiliev invariants (Q1873312)

The author shows that the set of \(C_k\)-equivalence classes of spatial theta-curves forms a group \(G_k\) under the vertex connected sum. He further expresses \(G_k\) abelianised in terms of Vassiliev invariants. As a corollary, it follows that if \(G_k\) is abelian then its members are classified by the additive Vassiliev invariants of order \(\leq k-1\). He goes on to show that \(G_k\) is not abelian for \(k\geq 12\), and hence that the group of \(C_k\)-equivalence classes of \(m\)-string links is not abelian for \(m\geq 2\) and \(k\geq 12\).