China said it used electronic interference and military warnings to drive away a Dutch frigate that was sailing near the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.
According to the People’s Liberation Army, the vessel had “illegally” entered an area claimed by Beijing, further increasing tensions in the region.
According to China’s Southern Theater Command, the Dutch warship De Ruyter also allegedly carried out air operations with an embarked helicopter, which reportedly entered the airspace claimed by China several times. In response, Beijing deployed naval and air forces 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 clashes and military demonstrations involving different countries, especially amid the growing presence of Western vessels in navigation operations.
In a statement, Chinese military spokesman Zhai Shichen accused the Netherlands of violating Chinese sovereignty and threatening regional stability. The representative also said the frigate’s action could easily lead to “misunderstandings and miscalculations,” in a tone considered unusual in Beijing’s official statements.
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F804 De Ruyter frigate
The De Ruyter is a De Zeven Provinciën-class air-defense and command frigate, designed to protect naval forces against aerial threats and operate in international missions. In April 2026, the Dutch Ministry of Defence reported that the ship had departed for an approximately five-month mission in the Indo-Pacific, with around 200 crew members and an NH90 maritime helicopter on board.
The mission aims to strengthen the Dutch presence along strategic routes, support freedom of navigation, and expand military and diplomatic cooperation with partners in the region. During the deployment, the ship is also taking part in international exercises and is expected to join activities such as Rim of the Pacific and Pacific Dragon around Hawaii.
Source: South China Morning Post | Photos: Wikimedia | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
