China Expels Dutch Frigate from Paracel Islands, Lodges Formal Protest

China's military expelled the Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter from waters near the Paracel Islands on May 27, 2026, using electronic interference and verbal warnings, then escalated the dispute by lodging a formal diplomatic protest the following day. The PLA Southern Theater Command reported that the frigate's shipborne helicopter repeatedly entered Chinese airspace over the Xisha Islands. Senior Captain Zhai Shichen accused the Dutch navy of infringing on China's territorial sovereignty and warned the actions could trigger miscalculation. Chinese naval and air forces deployed to drive the vessel away.

The Netherlands rejected China's claims. The Dutch defense ministry stated the frigate was sailing in waters where free movement is permitted for diplomatic, security, and economic reasons. Dutch navy spokesperson Marinka Hiraldo Vos-van Kooten said the vessel operated in accordance with international law and remained outside territorial waters.

On May 28, China's Ministry of National Defense lodged a formal protest. Spokesperson Jiang Bin urged the Dutch government to cease provocative actions and restrain frontline forces to prevent unexpected incidents. The encounter occurs amid broader tensions over China's claims to nearly four-fifths of the South China Sea—a position rejected by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016—and strained bilateral relations following the Dutch government's seizure of control over chip supplier Nexperia. The HNLMS De Ruyter was on a five-month Pacific Archer mission promoting freedom of navigation, having recently conducted drills with Philippine forces in Manila.