Dutch warship transits Taiwan Strait after entering Paracel Islands airspace

(Taipei, 5th Central News Agency) According to a Chinese military statement, the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter launched a shipborne helicopter into the airspace of the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea last Wednesday before transiting the Taiwan Strait. The Netherlands has previously stated that the ship is on a freedom of navigation mission in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese military released a statement on its WeChat public account on the evening of the 5th. Spokesperson Xu Chenghua stated that since May 27, the helicopter of the Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (hull number F804) had "illegally intruded into the airspace of the Paracel Islands" and subsequently transited the Taiwan Strait.

Xu claimed that the Eastern Theater Command had organized naval and air forces to monitor and track the Dutch ship's entire transit, effectively responding to and handling the situation. He did not specify when the De Ruyter transited the Taiwan Strait.

Prior to this, the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese military reported on May 27 that the De Ruyter frigate had "illegally intruded into China's Paracel Islands" that day and had repeatedly launched its shipborne helicopter, "intruding into our country's airspace."

Spokesperson Tian Junli claimed that the Southern Theater Command had organized naval and air forces and, in accordance with laws and regulations, took necessary measures such as verbal warnings and warning electronic jamming to deter and expel the vessel.

According to the Royal Netherlands Navy's Facebook page, the De Ruyter arrived in the Philippines on May 22 for a three-day visit.

The Dutch Embassy in the Philippines stated on May 23 that the visit was part of a deployment operation codenamed "Pacific Archer," a planned mission focused on the Indo-Pacific region. This mission marks the Netherlands' continued commitment to maritime security, freedom of navigation, and deepening partnerships with regional partners, including the Philippines. (Editor: Yang Shengru / Chen Zhengjian) 1150605