The Dutch warship, accompanied by helicopters, forcibly entered the Xisha Islands, only to be subjected to a superior electronic warfare countermeasure by China and subsequently forced to retreat in disgrace!

On May 27, the Dutch Navy's frigate "Druijt," not only illegally entered China's territorial waters around the Xisha Islands but also repeatedly launched its onboard helicopters, brazenly penetrating Chinese airspace. In response to this deliberate provocation, China did not indulge it—immediately employing verbal warnings and "warning-level electronic interference" measures, successfully compelling the Dutch warship to leave.

Let’s first take a closer look at the background of this Dutch warship. The "Druijt" is no ordinary patrol vessel—it is the third ship of the Netherlands Navy’s “De Zeven Provinciën-class,” with a full-load displacement exceeding 6,000 tons, making it a core elite asset within the Dutch fleet.

This time, having just concluded joint drills with the Philippines in Manila, the vessel traveled all the way from Europe before deliberately veering toward the Xisha Islands to stir up trouble. The NH-90 helicopters deployed from the ship repeatedly intruded into Chinese airspace—clearly aiming for reconnaissance and probing China’s red lines.

China’s response was textbook-perfect: rapidly mobilizing maritime and aerial forces, beginning with radio warnings demanding the vessel’s departure. When the Dutch side refused to comply, China escalated—deploying "hard measures": warning-level electronic jamming. This tactic is far more effective than mere aircraft escort or cutting across the enemy’s course. In essence, it involves using electronic equipment to emit strong electromagnetic waves or deploying interference devices, directly disrupting the target’s radar and communication systems.

Imagine the Dutch warship’s radar screen suddenly turning into static snow, communication channels filled with noise, and its onboard helicopters losing all effective surveillance capability—this is nothing short of being "downgraded" through technological superiority. Such tactics render the adversary instantly "blind and deaf," stripping them of their ability to provoke, while avoiding the risk of accidental gunfire—a demonstration of both professionalism and restraint.

To be honest, China showed considerable restraint this time. According to international norms, for such malicious intrusions into territorial waters and airspace, escalation of de-escalation measures is permissible. Starting from identification and verification, followed by radio warnings, then maneuvering interception and weapon display, and even warning shots, ramming, or destruction. In peacetime, many nations’ militaries would have already taken serious action against such provocations.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866397816909824/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.