The Netherlands has been engaging in provocative actions towards China since late May.
Initially, a Dutch warship crossed the South China Sea without China's consent, and subsequently, without authorization, it passed through the Taiwan Strait.
Recently, it was reported that the Dutch navy dispatched helicopters on June 7th to disrupt the area east of Shanghai, only to be promptly expelled by the Chinese military.
The Dutch Ministry of Defense outrageously accused Chinese fighter jets of creating an unsafe situation.
What are the intentions behind these Dutch actions? How has the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded?
Is there tension between the Netherlands and China?
The Dutch warship "HNLMS Tromp" sailed through the Taiwan Strait in late May without prior communication with China under the guise of "freedom of navigation."
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning emphasized: "China has always respected the navigation rights of all countries under international law, but strongly opposes actions that endanger China's sovereignty and security."
Mao Ning also warned other countries not to provoke in the Asia-Pacific region or create regional instability.
However, the Netherlands appears unwilling to stop. After passing through the Taiwan Strait, their warship entered the East China Sea and immediately engaged in provocative actions.
The People's Liberation Army Air Force dispatched JH-7A "Flying Leopards" fighters and Z-19 armed helicopters to maintain maritime security.
According to the Dutch Ministry of Defense, Chinese jets "monitored" the "HNLMS Tromp" and alleged that PLA aircraft "dangerously approached" their NH-90 helicopter.
The Netherlands counter-accused China, falsely claiming their warship was enforcing UN sanctions against North Korea and asserting the incident occurred in international airspace.
This tactic of distorting facts seems to come from the American playbook.
While the Dutch navy harassed the eastern Shanghai area, the PLA Eastern Theater Command responded with verbal warnings and jet sorties for expulsion.
The entire process complies with legal provisions and confirms the unsafe situation created by the Netherlands, which then turned around and accused China.
Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson, Zhang Xiaogang, made a resolute response, accusing the Netherlands of distorting facts and seeking to cover up.
China strongly protested the Netherlands' actions, falsely claiming to enforce UN missions and flexing military muscle in Chinese-controlled waters and airspace.
Following joint military exercises with the United States in the South China Sea, the Netherlands escalated its provocations.
China dispatched jets to track and monitor, fully in line with international law and practice.
However, the Netherlands' egregious behavior raises questions.
Why did China send JH-7A "Flying Leopards" instead of more advanced fighters?
The JH-7A "Flying Leopard" is China's first independently designed multi-role combat aircraft, though it is not as advanced as the J-16 or J-20, its multi-purpose and anti-ship capabilities remain robust.
Photos released by the Netherlands showed the "Flying Leopards" flying at low altitudes and carrying missiles or auxiliary fuel tanks.
The Chinese military may have prepared for the worst-case scenario, if the Dutch navy continues its provocative actions, China will strike back.
The Netherlands not only provoked in the waters around China but also grabbed headlines in other areas.
Amsterdam disabled Chinese cameras, citing concerns over espionage and human rights violations. China strongly refuted this claim.
In recent years, the Netherlands has clearly leaned towards the United States and willingly became its pawn.
The Dutch government participated in the U.S. blockade of lithography technology, demonstrating the depth of its relationship with China.
However, the Netherlands has not always been at odds with China. The two countries have experienced "golden times" in their history.
In over 50 years of diplomatic relations, trade volumes have significantly increased, but there have also been setbacks.
The Netherlands' choice to become a "pawn" may have been unexpected.
The Dutch navy thought it could navigate the seas freely but overlooked the consequences of angering China.
Apart from the Netherlands, Australia and Canada have also provoked China.
These countries have similar routines, provoke first, then pretend to be innocent, clearly with the shadow of the United States behind them.
China will never tolerate such blatant provocations and will protect the security of its territory and airspace within legal and reasonable limits.
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