China's Ministry of Defense warned the Netherlands to limit its naval actions and air force, after the Dutch Ministry of Defense said that Chinese fighter jets came "dangerously" close to a Dutch ship in the East China Sea, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.
Chinese Air Force fighter jets flew several times around a Dutch frigate and approached a Dutch helicopter in the East China Sea in a way that "caused a potentially dangerous situation”, the Dutch defense ministry said on Saturday.
A statement from the ministry said that the frigate "Tromp" was on patrol on Friday in support of UN sanctions against North Korea when it was circled several times by two Chinese fighter jets. Later, two Chinese fighter jets and one helicopter approached the ship's NH 90 helicopter.
Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesman for China's Ministry of Defense, said the Netherlands "falsely claimed to be carrying out a UN mission and demonstrated force in the sea and airspace under the jurisdiction of another country, creating tension and undermining friendly relations between the two countries".
Zhang said that China wants to warn the Netherlands that "violations and provocations will be resolutely countered by the Chinese side."