China has defended the reported "intrusion" of a Chinese naval vessel in the Philippine waters, saying it was an "exercise of the right of innocent passage."
"The Chinese naval vessel's sailing through the Philippine waters was an exercise of the right of innocent passage pursuant to UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhao Lijian in a press conference Tuesday, March 15, over the reported "illegal incursion" of China's People’s Liberation Army- Navy’s (PLAN’s) in the Sulu Sea.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xillian was summoned by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on March 14 over the naval vessel's entry to Philippine waters without permission and lingering there for three days from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1 this year.
According to the DFA, Philippine Navy vessel BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) challenged the Chinese naval vessel that was allegedly exercising innocent passage.
"Its movements, however, did not follow a track that can be considered as continuous and expeditious, lingering in the Sulu Sea for three days," the DFA said.
It further said that the Chinese vessel "continued its activities in Philippine waters despite being repeatedly directed by the BRP Antonio Luna to leave Philippine waters immediately."
The Chinese Foreign Ministry, however, affirmed that the passage of the vessel was "safe and standard."
"The Chinese passage was safe and standard, and consistent with international law and international practice. We hope relevant parities can view it in an objective and rational manner," Zhao said.
The Philippines also asserted that the Chinese navy vessel's actions "did not constitute innocent passage and violated Philippine sovereignty."