China Warns Netherlands to Restrain Military After Harassment Incident at Sea

China has issued a warning to the Netherlands following a complaint from the NATO member about alleged harassment by Chinese fighter planes towards one of its warships in international waters. The incident occurred on Friday in the East China Sea while the Dutch frigate HNLMS Tromp was on a patrol mission in support of United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

According to the Dutch Defense Ministry, two Chinese fighter jets circled around the Tromp, while a pair of Chinese warplanes and a helicopter intercepted the frigate's NH90 helicopter, creating a potentially unsafe situation. This incident is reminiscent of a similar occurrence last month when a Chinese fighter jet reportedly fired flares across the flight path of an Australian helicopter enforcing U.N. sanctions.

In a press statement, the Dutch Defense Ministry expressed concern over the Chinese actions, while mentioning the increasing number of aggressive intercepts by Chinese forces against U.S. and U.S.-allied aircraft since 2021, as recorded by the U.S. Department of Defense in last year's China Military Power Report.

Responding to the complaint, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang accused the Netherlands of trying to cover up its infringement of China's maritime rights. Zhang claimed that the Dutch side falsely claimed to be carrying out a U.N. mission in waters and airspace under another country's jurisdiction. He stated that the People's Liberation Army's Eastern command had issued multiple warnings and dispatched fighters to expel the Dutch forces from the area. China has lodged an official diplomatic complaint against the Netherlands and warned them to strictly restrain their air and naval forces.

The Dutch defense ministry confirmed that the Tromp continued its voyage as planned in line with its six-month global deployment, known as "Pacific Archer '24," and is currently en route to Japan. The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force also shared photos on social media of the Dutch frigate participating in a joint exercise with the Japanese frigate Akebono.

China, known for its sensitivity regarding military operations conducted by extra-regional countries near its borders, has previously voiced concerns over such activities. This recent incident further highlights the tensions in the region and raises questions about the freedom of movement in international waters.

Newsweek has reached out to the Dutch Defense Ministry for further comment on the matter.