Chinese military officials announced they mobilized naval and aerial units to force out a Dutch warship that they claim unlawfully entered waters around the Paracel Islands in the contested South China Sea on Wednesday.
According to a statement from Zhai Shichen, a spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command, helicopters operating from aircraft carriers have made multiple flights and “intruded into China’s airspace.”
“We firmly oppose this and solemnly urge the Dutch side to immediately cease its infringing and provocative acts,” Zhai stated, emphasizing that the Chinese military will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security.
