Chinese Embassy rejects claims of illegal survey in Philippine waters
The Chinese Embassy in Manila has denied allegations that a Chinese marine research vessel was operating illegally within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. China maintains that the vessel's activities are routine and fall under its sovereign jurisdiction, disputing Philippine claims based on international treaties.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions and territorial disputes in the South China Sea, which have significant implications for regional security and international maritime law.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila has rejected claims that a Chinese marine research vessel was illegally operating in Philippine waters, saying its activities constituted routine scientific research and navigation in waters under China's jurisdiction.
Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei said this after Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela claimed that the 76-meter Haiyang Dizhi Shi Hao had been operating inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for 25 days, including about three weeks inside the 12-nautical-mile territorial sea of Bajo de Masinloc.
In a Facebook post, Guo said the vessel's operations were lawful under Chinese domestic legislation and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“The Chinese scientific research vessel is carrying out routine scientific research and navigational operations in waters under China's jurisdiction,” he said.
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