May 28 — China’s Ministry of National Defense said at a regular briefing that a
helicopter deployed from Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter recently illegally
entered airspace over the Xisha (Paracel) Islands, seriously infringing China’s
sovereignty. The ministry said the PLA deployed sea and air forces to compel the
aircraft to leave and has lodged stern representations with the Netherlands. It
reiterated that the Paracels are China’s inherent territory, said forces remain
on high alert to defend territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, and urged
the Dutch to stop infringements and restrain frontline sea and air operations to
avoid incidents.
