China uses interference to expel Dutch frigate near Paracel

Chinese military forces used electronic interference and verbal warnings to expel a Dutch frigate near the disputed Paracel Islands, according to a statement from Beijing on Wednesday. The incident marks a rare public confrontation between the two nations in the strategically vital South China Sea.

The People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theater Command stated that the Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter had illegally intruded into waters around the Paracels, which China calls the Xisha Islands. The command’s spokesperson, Zhai Shichen, said the vessel’s shipborne helicopter repeatedly took off and entered what China considers its airspace. In response, Chinese naval and air forces took necessary measures, including verbal warnings and warning electronic interference, to drive the ship away.

Zhai condemned the Dutch actions, stating they seriously infringed on China’s sovereignty and security, violated international law, and undermined regional peace and stability. He warned that such actions were extremely liable to trigger misunderstanding and miscalculation.

The Netherlands offered a contrasting account. A Dutch navy spokesperson stated the frigate was not in territorial waters and...