Netherlands Accuses China’s Fighter Jets Of Circling Dutch Frigate In East China Sea Causing ‘Unsafe Situation’

Chinese fighter jets recently approached the Dutch frigate Zr. Ms Tromp in the East China Sea in an unsafe manner, according to the Netherlands Ministry of Defense.

The encounter, which occurred last week, has sparked concerns about the safety of international waters and the tense interactions between Western warships and the Chinese military.

The Zr. Ms Tromp was deployed to the East China Sea as part of an international surveillance operation to enforce UN sanctions against North Korea.

Two Chinese jets approached the vessel while patrolling international seas, resulting in what the ministry termed a “potentially unsafe situation.”

Following this incident, a Chinese helicopter and two fighter jets approached the Tromp’s helicopter.

Fortunately, no incident was reported, and the Dutch frigate continued its journey towards Japan.

The vessel, Zr. Ms Tromp, is scheduled to cross the Pacific from June 26 to early August to participate in the US Navy’s RIMPAC 2024 exercise off Hawai.

This incident highlights a long-standing pattern of hostile encounters in the area between Chinese military troops and naval forces allied with the West.

The idea that China engages in prohibited maritime trade with Pyongyang despite having signed the sanctions measures increases the complexity of enforcing international regulations in this region.

Furthermore, hostilities between China and its neighbouring countries have increased.

The Philippines claimed just last week that the Chinese military had intercepted a supply drop close to the Second Thomas Shoal Philippine camp.

The strict regulations employed by the China Coast Guard, such as approaching the facility within five meters, have sparked worries about regional sovereignty and maritime safety.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines charged the China Coast Guard with impeding a medical evacuation at Second Thomas Shoal last month.

Tensions in the area may have increased when Chinese warships repeatedly attempted to obstruct the medevac operation and intentionally rammed an inflatable with a hard hull.

Reference: Reuters

Netherlands Accuses China’s Fighter Jets Of Circling Dutch Frigate In East China Sea Causing ‘Unsafe Situation’ appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News