China's military says it drove away Dutch frigate in South China Sea
Incident Overview and International Response
Chinese Military's Account of the Incident
BEIJING/AMSTERDAM, May 27 (Reuters) - China's military said it organised naval and air forces to drive away Dutch frigate De Ruyter, which it accused of illegally intruding into the Paracel Islands in the disputed South China Sea on Wednesday.
Dutch Position and International Law
The Netherlands said the frigate was operating in accordance with international law.
Statements from Both Sides
Chinese Military Statement
Zhai Shichen, a spokesperson for the People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command, said in a statement that carrier-based helicopters had repeatedly taken off and "intruded into China's airspace".
"We firmly oppose this and solemnly urge the Dutch side to immediately cease its infringing and provocative acts," Zhai said, adding the Chinese military will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security.
Dutch Government Statement
In a statement, the Netherlands said that HNLMS De Ruyter was sailing through the South China Sea for diplomatic, security and economic reasons. It declined to comment on operational details.
Context of the Dispute
Unusual Confrontation
The Chinese claim marks a relatively unusual public confrontation with the Netherlands in the South China Sea.
South China Sea Claims
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including parts also claimed by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
International Arbitration Ruling
In 2016 the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China's claims were not supported by international law, a decision that Beijing rejects.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Yukun Zhang, Shi Bu and Ryan Woo; Additional reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout in Amsterdam; Editing by Aidan Lewis, Kirsten Donovan)
