China’s Military Says It Drove Away Dutch Frigate in South China Sea

Indonesia navy personnel stand at attention to welcome the arrival of the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter at Tanjung Perak port in Surabaya on May 14, 2026. (Photo by JUNI KRISWANTO / AFP)

China’s military said it organized naval and air forces to drive away the Dutch frigate De Ruyter, which it accused of illegally intruding into the Paracel Islands in the disputed South China Sea on Wednesday.

The Netherlands said the frigate was operating in accordance with international law.

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