Dutch Ship in China sea: Chinese air force jets circled a Dutch ship and a Dutch helicopter in the East China Sea, which “caused a potentially unsafe situation,” the Netherlands Defense Ministry said on Saturday.
Reuters reported that two Chinese fighter jets repeatedly circled the HNLMS Tromp on Friday while it was patrolling in support of UN sanctions on North Korea, according to a statement from the Ministry.
Later, two Chinese fighter aircraft and a chopper approached the ship’s NH90 helicopter.
As part of a multinational UN coalition, HNLMS Tromp was conducting patrols in the East China Sea, according to information released by the Ministry of Defense. The coalition is responsible for carrying out the UN Security Council resolutions’ mandated maritime restrictions against North Korea.
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The Chinese aircraft engaged was a Z-19 light recon/attack helicopter and JH-7 fighter bombers, according to photos made public by the Ministry.
Dutch lawmaker Ruben Brekelmans responded to the event by expressing his worries on X, a platform that was formerly Twitter
Het Nederlandse marineschip https://t.co/qYK4SyfqBm. Tromp is in de Oost-Chinese Zee benaderd door een Chinese helikopter en gevechtsvliegtuigen.
Lees hier meer: https://t.co/1w6eNQZpY3 pic.twitter.com/moNReddOQV
— Ministerie van Defensie (@Defensie) June 7, 2024
This incident comes after China became enraged last week when the Dutch vessel made a disputed voyage through the Taiwan Strait.
Although China recognizes international law, the foreign ministry stated that China is “firmly opposed to endangering Chinese sovereignty and security under the guise of free passage.”
Even though international law recognizes the Taiwan Strait passage as an international sea, China maintains control over the area, making it a contentious topic.
The HNLMS Tromp is on a six-month worldwide deployment to participate in the major military exercise “Pacific Archer ’24” in Hawaii en route to Japan. Notwithstanding the most recent event, the Dutch Ministry of Defense has confirmed that the ship is following its planned course.
China’s Increasing Aggression In the area
The event is the latest in a string of conflicts between the military of China and other countries taking place in international waters.
As per Eurasian Times, Australia accused a Chinese fighter jet in May 2024 of setting off flares near an Australian MH-60R Seahawk helicopter over the Yellow Sea’s international seas.
The chopper was patrolling to impose UN sanctions on North Korea at the time of the incident. About 60 meters above and 300 meters in front of the Seahawk helicopter, the Chinese jet burst into flares.
Even though there were no recorded injuries or damages, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese deemed the incident to be “completely unacceptable.”
China usually uses the argument that US and partner vessels and planes are intentionally approaching Chinese airspace while disguising their operations as the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, endangering China’s maritime and aviation security, to defend its actions.
Over the South China Sea in late October, a Chinese fighter jet fired flares in the direction of a Canadian military helicopter. “Unsafe and non-standard, unprofessional” is how Major Rob Millen, an air officer on board the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Ottawa, described the behaviour.
China justified its actions after the October incident, accusing Canadian personnel of “malicious and provocative acts with ulterior motives.”
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Australia recorded a different incident in February 2022 where a Chinese vessel used a laser to light up an Australian P-8A aircraft that was flying north of Australia.
Pilots targeted by laser strikes have reported discomfort, confusion, and momentary blindness. However, China has consistently denied any wrongdoing and insisted that its military operations uphold international law and safeguard Chinese interests.
Chinese Coast Guard and Maritime Militia warships have been obstructing and engaging in dangerous operations with Philippine Coast Guard vessels in recent months. Chinese Coast Guard ships’ water guns have occasionally caused damage to Philippine ships.
