Watch: China Releases Footage Of Close-Range Interception Of Dutch Warship In South China Sea

China’s military has released footage showing how its naval and air forces responded to a Dutch Navy frigate and helicopter near the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command said the Dutch Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F804) entered waters near China’s Xisha Islands on May 27 and repeatedly launched its shipborne NH-90 helicopter into what Beijing described as China’s territorial airspace.

According to Senior Captain Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command, Chinese naval and air forces were deployed to take measures against the Dutch vessel and helicopter and drive them away.

The footage released on Friday showed Chinese Navy vessels Wuzhou (Hull 626), Tianmen (Hull 631) and Dali (Hull 553) operating near the Dutch frigate during the operation.

Footage shows the Chinese military deploying multiple warships including Type 056A guided-missile frigates Wuzhou (Hull 626) and Tianmen (Hull 631), as well as a Type 054A guided-missile frigate Dali (Hull 553) to conduct close interception and expulsion against the Dutch Navy’s… pic.twitter.com/UOKnxGr6M3

— China Military Bugle (@ChinaMilBugle) May 29, 2026

The PLA said Dali issued verbal warnings in English to the Dutch NH-90 helicopter. The military also said it used warning electronic interference measures during the operation.

The footage further showed J-16 fighter jets armed with PL-10 air-to-air missiles taking part in the mission.

China said the Dutch frigate’s actions infringed on its territorial sovereignty and posed risks to maritime and air security.

The PLA also said the operation was carried out in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations.

“The Chinese military will maintain a high state of alert at all times and resolutely safeguard China’s national sovereignty, security and regional peace and stability,” Zhai said.

China’s Ministry of Defense also commented on the incident. Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday, ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin urged the Netherlands to stop what he described as infringement and provocative actions and to strictly restrain frontline naval and air forces to avoid unexpected incidents at sea or in the air.

References: PLA, Bastillepost