China Protests After Western Frigate Sails in South China Sea - Domino Theory
dominotheory.com
A Dutch frigate's passage through the South China Sea shows how freedom-of-navigation operations trigger cascading geopolitical reactions — a real-world stress test of deterrence theory and the security dilemma.
Deterrence TheorySecurity DilemmaFreedom of NavigationBalance of Power
Theory Briefing
- The Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter sailed through the South China Sea, prompting immediate formal protests from Beijing over sovereignty claims.
- China's reaction illustrates the security dilemma: one nation's routine transit is perceived as a direct threat by another, escalating tensions.
- Western freedom-of-navigation operations are a deliberate deterrence signal — testing whether international norms can hold against rising Chinese assertiveness.