China "Drives Off" Dutch Navy Frigate in the Paracel Islands

Published May 27, 2026 3:07 PM by The Maritime Executive

Chinese and Dutch naval forces had a tense encounter near the Paracel Islands on Wednesday, according to the PLA Southern Theater Command.

The Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter was operating in the vicinity of the Paracels, which are administered by China and claimed by Vietnam. According to PLA spokesperson Senior Captain Zhai Shichen, the frigate launched its helicopter multiple times to "intrude into China's territorial airspace."

In response, PLA Navy and PLA Air Force assets used "verbal warnings and warning electronic interference" to express the Chinese military's objections. Southern Theater Command claims that it "expelled" the frigate from the area with these measures, citing unspecified laws and regulations for justification.

Shichen accused De Ruyter's crew of infringing on China's territorial sovereignty, among other offenses. "We firmly oppose such acts and solemnly demand that the Dutch side immediately cease its infringement and provocative actions," he said.

The Dutch defense ministry denies that De Ruyter did anything wrong, and a spokesperson told NU that the frigate is "currently sailing in waters where free movement is permitted."

China claims the overwhelming majority of the South China Sea as its own under its sweeping "nine dash line" policy, including large swathes of international waters and the EEZs of neighboring states. Beijing asserts that the policy is consistent with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, but the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague dismissed its expansive claims in 2016. China has refused to acknowledge or abide by the arbitral panel's decision.

The area around the Paracels is sensitive for Chinese interests. Chinese contractors have been working actively since last year to expand the footprint of a large atoll, Antelope Reef, dredging it out and adding dozens of acres of usable space.

In years past, China's land reclamation projects in the South China Sea have been a prelude to the construction of military facilities. China repeated this pattern throughout early- to mid-2010s in the Spratly Islands, creating sprawling mega-bases with naval harbors, air defenses and bomber-capable runways. This forward base infrastructure supports China Coast Guard, PLA Navy and maritime militia operations inside the Philippine EEZ.

https://maritime-executive.com/article/china-drives-off-dutch-navy-frigate-in-the-paracel-islands

Bulk Cargo Ship Arrives in Cuba Carrying Aid from China

Published May 25, 2026 5:19 PM by The Maritime Executive

Aid shipments are continuing to arrive in Cuba despite the U.S. efforts to apply pressure on the Communist government of the Caribbean island. In the latest development, a Chinese-owned cargo ship arrived in Havana carrying what is reported to be the first of several major aid shipments coming from China.

The bulk cargo ship Sunny Hong (33,847 dwt) was received in Havana by a government delegation on Saturday, May 23, thanking the Chinese for their support. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel called the shipment in a social media posting a “noble gesture of solidarity.”

The vessel arrived carrying 15,000 tons of rice from China. The ship had left Qingdao on April 1 and transited the Panama Canal on May 8, but has largely been dark since then despite declaring it was bound for Cuba.

Cuba’s Minister of Interior Trade, Betsy Diaz Velazquez, said it was greatly needed, and it would be immediately distributed to all the provinces. Media reports have indicated that Cubans are experiencing food shortages as the U.S. blockade and pressure campaign continue. According to Cuban officials, China has committed to sending a total of 60,000 tons of grain to Cuba.

The shipment follows the arrival a week earlier of another aid ship coming from Mexico. Cuban officials said they have received over 3,125 tons of aid from Mexico, including food, medicine, hygiene products, and solar panels, although critics claim little of it is reaching the average Cuban.

At the same time, the Christian charity Saint’Egidio International reported that it had dispatched another container on May 15 from Genoa bound for Cuba. They said it is loaded with medicine, medical supplies, and wheelchairs, valued in total at approximately €700,000 (US$815,000). On May 9, another container from the charity reached Havana carrying 22,000 kg of rice and flour, and the charity said another container with 24,000 kg of food aid is also on its way to Santiago de Cuba. Continuing into June, the charity plans to ship additional containers with oil, flour, vegetables, and sugar. It said it expects to send one container to Havana and a second one to Santiago.

However, there is no additional word on a second Russian oil shipment that was believed to have left Europe in April. The product tanker Universal’s last reported position was in the middle of the Atlantic, displaying “waiting for orders.” After making its first oil delivery earlier in the month, Russia had said it was preparing a second delivery.

Despite these efforts, there continue to be reports of widespread outages on the island. The country has used the first Russian oil shipment and can only produce about 40 percent of its oil needs. Blackouts have become common across the island.

https://maritime-executive.com/article/bulk-cargo-ship-arrives-in-cuba-carrying-aid-from-china

>>24652547

Not buying it

>>24653096

Damage Control efforts as MGTOW spreads and the ran throughs get left to their own devices. The hoes had their fun but when they go "I'm ready to settle down now" there's no one that wants them. Now the feminists have to convince the chicks they are better off without kids since they already convinced them being a wage-slave was better.

On the upnote many cats will be wanted so shelters will be emptying out