BEIJING, June 11 -- "The ship-borne helicopter of the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS Tromp conducted an act of infringement and provocation in the airspace to the east of Shanghai City on June 7. China is strongly dissatisfied with this and has lodged solemn representations with the Netherlands," said a Chinese defense spokesperson on Tuesday.
Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks when asked to comment on the Netherlands Defense Ministry's recent statement that two Chinese fighter jets and a Chinese helicopter approached a ship-borne helicopter of the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS Tromp, which was reportedly supervising the implementation of a UN Security Council resolution on the sanctions against the DPRK, and created an "unsafe" situation in the East China Sea.
"The Dutch side is calling black white in the futile attempt to cover up its encroachment. On June 7, the ship-borne helicopter of the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS Tromp, conducted an act of infringement and provocation in the airspace to the east of Shanghai," said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, adding that the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command issued verbal warnings and sent out fighter jets to drive it away, which was completely reasonable, legal and professional. It was the Netherlands, not China, that created the unsafe situation.
The spokesperson said that the Netherlands, in the false claim of implementing a UN mission, was flaunting military strength in the territorial sea and airspace of China, which has created tension and harmed the friendly relations between the two countries. China deplores its ill-intentioned words and deeds and has lodged solemn representations with the Dutch side.
"We urge the Dutch side to control the behaviors of its navy and air force. Their act of infringement and provocation will be resolutely countered by China. The Chinese military will always stay on high alert and safeguard national sovereignty, security, and maritime rights and interests,” stressed the spokesperson.