Chinese naval and air forces drove off a Dutch air defense frigate near a disputed archipelago using warnings and electronic interference, Beijing’s South China Sea command said Wednesday.
According to the People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theater Command (PLA STC), the HNLMS De Ruyter (F804) and its embarked helicopter intruded Wednesday over the airspace of the Paracel Islands, an archipelago under the control of Beijing following its violent seizure from Vietnam in the 1970s.
The Dutch frigate was forced away from the Paracel Islands using “necessary measures” and was “in accordance with laws and regulations,” Senior Captain Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the Chinese PLA STC, said in a news release.
China controls the Paracel Islands via a network of 20 outposts and support forces from the mainland. Through its artificial island bases and outposts, China has forward-deployed a vast network of electronic warfare capabilities across the South China Sea.
“We firmly oppose such acts and solemnly demand that the Dutch side immediately cease its infringement and provocative actions. The Chinese military will maintain a high state of alert at all times and resolutely safeguard China’s national sovereignty, security and regional peace and stability,” Zhai said.
The Royal Netherlands Navy De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate is deployed to the Indo-Pacific for Amsterdam’s five-month-long Pacific Archer mission. The mission aims to promote freedom of navigation and foster ties with allies and partners. De Ruyter is also set to attend the Rim of Pacific naval drills around Hawaii later this summer.
One week before the incident, De Ruyter moored in Manila for a port visit and activities with the Philippine Navy. The frigate’s captain told local media outlet Manila Bulletin that the ship’s previous interactions with a Chinese helicopter was “professional” and did not involve a territorial challenge.
Amsterdam’s sail near the Paracel Islands comes as Beijing ramps up artificial island construction through a massive reclamation project at Antelope Reef. According to the Center of Strategic International Studies’ Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, China’s build-up at the reef may create the largest island in the South China Sea.
The Netherlands also joins a growing number of non-Western Pacific powers to deploy forces in support of freedom of navigation and cooperation with Beijing’s adversaries. China has asserted its control of the majority of the South China Sea under its 10-dash line claim. Fleets of paramilitary fishing vessels, Coast Guard cutters and warships are constantly deployed to back Beijing’s territorial assertions.
