China said it used electronic interference measures and military warnings to drive away a Dutch frigate sailing near the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.
According to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the vessel had “illegally” entered an area claimed by Beijing, further escalating tensions in the region.
According to China’s Southern Theater Command, the Dutch warship De Ruyter also conducted aerial operations with an embarked helicopter, which allegedly entered Chinese-claimed airspace several times. In response, Beijing deployed naval and air assets to monitor and expel the frigate.
The Paracel Islands are the subject of territorial disputes between China and Vietnam and occupy a strategic position in the South China Sea. The area has frequently been the scene of diplomatic confrontations and military demonstrations involving multiple countries, particularly amid the growing presence of Western vessels conducting freedom of navigation operations.
In a statement, Chinese military spokesperson Zhai Shichen accused the Netherlands of violating China’s sovereignty and threatening regional stability. He also stated that the frigate’s actions could easily lead to “misunderstandings and miscalculations,” a tone considered unusual in official statements from Beijing.
F804 De Ruyter frigate
The De Ruyter is an air-defense and command frigate of the De Zeven Provinciën class, designed to protect naval forces against aerial threats and participate in international operations. In April 2026, the Dutch Ministry of Defence announced that the ship had departed on an approximately five-month mission to the Indo-Pacific, carrying around 200 crew members and an NH90 maritime helicopter.
The mission aims to reinforce Dutch presence along strategic maritime routes, support freedom of navigation, and expand military and diplomatic cooperation with regional partners. During its deployment, the vessel is also taking part in international exercises and is expected to participate in activities such as Rim of the Pacific and Pacific Dragon around Hawaii.
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Source: South China Morning Post | Photos: Wikimedia | This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
