Indonesia Navy sends warships to counter China coast guard vessel.

According to information published by Sindonews on January 16, 2023, Indonesia sent warships to counter a Chinese Coast Guard Zhaotou-class patrol cutter in the Natuna Sea.
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Chinese Coast Guard Zhaotou class patrol cutter. (Picture source: Weibo of BeijingHour)

Despite Indonesia's position as a non-claimant state in the South China Sea dispute, two countries were inevitably involved in this territorial dispute; as parts of China's unilaterally claimed nine-dash line is intersecting with Indonesia's exclusive economic zone near Natuna islands.

Although China has acknowledged Indonesia's sovereignty over Natuna islands, China argues that the waters around Natuna islands are Chinese "traditional fishing grounds". Indonesia quickly dismiss this claim and believes it has no legal basis.

About the Zhaotou class

The Zhaotou class is a NATO reporting name of the ship class of patrol vessels of the China Coast Guard. It is the largest coast guard cutter in the world.

The Zhaotou class is 165 metres (541 ft 4 in) in length, over 20 meters (65 ft 7 in) in beam, and has an empty displacement of 10,000 tons, with a full displacement of 12,000 tons. In comparison, the Japanese Shikishima class has a gross tonnage of 6,500 tons, with a full displacement of 9,350 tons (7,175 tons for gross tonnage).

The Zhaotou class is armed with an H/PJ-26 76 mm naval gun, two 30 mm auxiliary guns, and two anti-aircraft machine guns. The ships can travel a top speed of 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph) and a range of over 10,000 nautical miles (19,000 km; 12,000 mi).

The estimated range is believed to be 15,000 nautical miles (28,000 km; 17,000 mi). Each vessel can carry two Z-8 helicopters and several boats. The Zhaotou class possess a large helicopter platform and hangar to accommodate large Z-8 helicopters. The vessel is speculated to be powered by MAN high-power diesel engines.