China accused of creating a ‘dangerous situation’ after harassing a Dutch warship with a fighter jet

The Dutch frigate has left the area for Japan and Hawaii for naval exercises in the Pacific with Western and regional allies as part of Exercise Valiant Shield 2024.

U.S. Navy Admiral Stephen T Koehler called VS24 “a unique opportunity to operate and engage with our allies and partners and demonstrate our shared commitment to global security and stability.”

Koehler, who commands the U.S. Pacific Fleet, added: “Maintaining a safe, stable and protected Indo-Pacific requires all of us as we leverage our common and combined capabilities to enhance operations across multiple domains.”

And the Netherlands’ complaint against China is among a growing list of concerns raised by Western ships and planes in the region.

In May, China was accused of firing flares at an Australian helicopter – which was also involved in enforcing UN sanctions on North Korea – over international waters in the Yellow Sea.

Canadian vessels also filed complaints against China for performing “dangerous” maneuvers, which China disregarded as necessary to defend itself against an unspecified “malicious and provocative act by Canada with ulterior motives.”

The U.S. Department of State mentioned his country’s efforts to “preserve the peace, maintain freedom of the seas in accordance with international law, maintain the unimpeded flow of lawful commerce, and support the peaceful resolution of disputes.”

However, Chinese military sources have long accused the United States of “creating divisions and provoking confrontation” in the region.