China’s military said it used warnings and electronic interference measures against a Dutch Navy frigate operating near the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, in another tense encounter in one of the world’s most contested maritime regions.

According to the People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command (PLA STC), the Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F804) and its embarked helicopter entered airspace near the Paracel Islands on May 27. Chinese forces responded with what Beijing described as “necessary measures,” including electronic interference operations.

The PLA claimed the actions were conducted “in accordance with laws and regulations” and accused the Netherlands of infringement and provocation.

The Dutch government had not publicly confirmed China’s version of events at the time of reporting. The incident comes amid increasing deployments by European navies in the Indo-Pacific as tensions persist over freedom of navigation, territorial disputes, and China’s expanding military infrastructure across the South China Sea.

Dutch frigate operating in the Indo-Pacific mission

According to USNI News and the Dutch Navy, HNLMS De Ruyter is currently deployed as part of the Netherlands’ five-month Pacific Archer mission, which aims to strengthen regional partnerships and support freedom-of-navigation operations.

The vessel is expected to participate in the upcoming Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval exercises off the coast of Hawaii later this year. One week before the encounter, the frigate conducted a port visit in Manila and engaged with the Philippine Navy. During that visit, the ship’s commanding officer reportedly described an earlier interaction with a Chinese helicopter as “professional” and not involving direct territorial confrontation.

European states are increasingly deploying naval forces to the Indo-Pacific to cooperate with regional partners amid concerns about maritime security and China’s territorial claims.

A highly capable air defense warship

HNLMS De Ruyter is one of the Royal Netherlands Navy’s most advanced surface combatants. Commissioned in 2004, the ship belongs to the De Zeven Provinciën-class of Air Defense and Command Frigates. The roughly 6,000-ton warship was designed for long-range fleet air defense, command-and-control operations, and multi-role maritime missions.

The frigate carries advanced radar systems, including the Thales SMART-L long-range surveillance radar, and is equipped with a 40-cell vertical launch system for surface-to-air missiles. Its armament also includes a 127 mm naval gun, torpedo launchers, and Goalkeeper close-in weapon systems for missile defense. The vessel also operates an NH-90 maritime helicopter from its flight deck and hangar facilities.

Electronic warfare is becoming more visible in maritime standoffs

The incident also emphasizes the growing role of electronic warfare in maritime confrontations. China has spent years expanding military infrastructure across the South China Sea, including radar systems, surveillance networks, air defense systems, and electronic warfare capabilities positioned on artificial islands and outposts.

USNI News noted that Beijing maintains an extensive network of electronic warfare infrastructure across the region through artificial island bases and mainland support systems.

Electronic warfare measures can include radar jamming, signal disruption, communications interference, and attempts to degrade sensors or navigation systems without direct physical confrontation.

The encounter near the Paracels occurred as China continues major construction activity at disputed features in the South China Sea. Analysis also suggests that China’s reclamation work at Antelope Reef could potentially create one of the region’s largest artificial islands.

China claims most of the South China Sea through its “10-dash line” assertion, despite competing claims from neighboring states and international legal challenges to Beijing’s maritime claims. As more non-regional navies operate in the Indo-Pacific, encounters involving electronic interference, close monitoring, and military signaling are becoming increasingly common across disputed waters.

Recommended Articles