European navies have stepped up their presence in the South China Sea, and that has led to increased interactions with China’s military. Like the experiences of the US, Australia and Canada, not all European interactions with China’s military have been safe and professional. Those interactions are outlined below.
A Dutch warship and helicopter are harassed by Chinese fighter jets.
7 June 2024, in international waters of the East China Sea.
A Dutch Navy vessel was conducting operations in support of UN sanctions against North Korea when two Chinese fighters circled the Dutch ship several times. The ship’s helicopter was then approached by the two Chinese fighter jets, creating a potentially unsafe situation.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence released a statement on the day of the incident.
In response, China’s Ministry of National Defence reportedly told the Netherlands to strictly control its naval forces, warning that it will use firm countermeasures against any further infringements and provocations. The ministry also complained that the Dutch had created an unsafe situation while conducting infringements and provocations in waters off the coast of Shanghai.
