China says it expelled Dutch ship from South China Sea

The Chinese military announced that it organized naval and air forces to remove the Dutch frigate De Ruyter, which it accused of illegally trespassing in the Paracel Islands in the disputed South China Sea.

The Netherlands said the frigate operated in accordance with international law.

People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command spokesman Zhai Shichen said in a statement that the carrier-based helicopters took off repeatedly and “entered Chinese airspace.”

“We strongly oppose this and call on the Dutch side to immediately stop its violating and provocative actions,” Zhai said. Zhai said, adding that the Chinese army will resolutely protect national sovereignty and security.

In its statement, the Netherlands said that HNLMS De Ruyter passed through the South China Sea for diplomatic, security and economic reasons.

He declined to comment on operational details.

China’s claim marks a relatively unusual public conflict with the Netherlands in the South China Sea.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including parts also claimed by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China’s claims were not supported by international law, a decision the Chinese government rejected.