A Dutch warship, the HNLMS Tromp, was harassed by Chinese military aircraft while patrolling the East China Sea on Friday. The Dutch Defense Ministry reported that two Chinese fighter jets circled the frigate multiple times and that additional Chinese warplanes and a helicopter approached the ship’s NH90 marine patrol helicopter, creating what was described as a “potentially unsafe situation.”
The incident occurred while the Tromp was operating in international waters as part of a multinational effort to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea. These sanctions, in place since 2006, aim to curb North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. The Dutch frigate’s mission is part of the Pacific Security Maritime Exchange (PSMX), a coalition that includes countries such as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In response to the Dutch complaint, China’s Defense Ministry issued a warning on Tuesday, urging the Netherlands to restrain its naval and air forces. Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang accused the Netherlands of falsely claiming to conduct a U.N. mission while actually engaging in provocative actions in Chinese jurisdiction. Zhang stated that the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Command had issued multiple warnings and dispatched fighters to intercept the Dutch vessel.
The Dutch Defense Ministry has stood by its account, emphasizing that the HNLMS Tromp was operating legally in international waters. This latest incident adds to a series of similar encounters where Chinese military forces have been accused of unsafe behavior toward foreign vessels and aircraft in the East and South China Seas. Last month, an Australian naval helicopter was targeted with flares by a Chinese fighter jet in the Yellow Sea, and a Canadian military helicopter reported a similar experience in the South China Sea in October.
The Tromp’s journey continues as part of its six-month global deployment, called “Pacific Archer ’24.” Following the incident, the ship is now en route to Japan, where it will participate in joint exercises with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
To the city of Nagasaki and the people of Japan:
Thank you for your warm reception of our ship the HNLMS Tromp! We hope to be back again soon in your beautiful country. Sayonara! pic.twitter.com/UZFMcPfeq5— Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Japan (@NLinJapan) June 14, 2024
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