Chinese aircraft intercept Dutch warship in East China Sea amid patrol.

According to information published by the Dutch MoD on June 7, 2024, the HNLMS Tromp, a Dutch naval ship, encountered a potentially unsafe situation in the East China Sea when two Chinese fighter jets circled the vessel multiple times.
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De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate HNLMS Tromp. (Picture source: JMSDF)

During the patrol, the ship's NH90 maritime combat helicopter was also approached by the Chinese jets and a Chinese helicopter. This incident occurred in international airspace.

The HNLMS Tromp was on a patrol mission as part of a multinational UN coalition enforcing maritime sanctions against North Korea, in line with UN Security Council resolutions. Despite the encounter, the HNLMS Tromp has continued its mission and is now heading to Japan as part of 'Pacific Archer '24'.

Netherlands strategy

The Netherlands has increasingly focused on the Indo-Pacific region within the military and strategic spheres, aligning with broader European efforts to engage with this geopolitically significant area. This shift reflects a response to China's rising influence and the need to maintain a balance of power in the region.

In 2020, the Netherlands released its Indo-Pacific Guidelines, positioning itself as a key player in shaping the European Union's strategy towards the region.

Dutch naval contributions have been notable, exemplified by the deployment of the frigate HNLMS Evertsen with the UK’s HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific in 2021. This move underscored the Netherlands' commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation and maritime security in critical shipping lanes, despite domestic controversy over potential provocations towards China​​.