Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 14) – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday summoned Chinese ambassador Huang Xilian over the “illegal incursion” and “lingering presence” of a Chinese navy vessel in the Sulu Sea.
In a statement, the DFA announced that acting Undersecretary Ma.Theresa Lazaro summoned Huang after an unauthorized People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) electronic reconnaissance ship, with bow number 792, entered the Philippine waters from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1.
The Philippine Navy challenged the PLAN vessel, which claimed it was merely exercising innocent passage, according to the DFA.
“In response to the incident, Acting Undersecretary Lazaro demanded that China respect Philippine territory and maritime jurisdiction, and to comply with its obligations under international law, particularly UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), and direct its vessels to desist from entering Philippine waters uninvited and without permission,” the statement read.
The Chinese foreign ministry, meanwhile, maintained on Tuesday that the PLAN vessel’s passage was “safe and standard,” and consistent with international law.
“China’s naval vessels’ sailing through the Philippine waters was an exercise of the right of innocent passage pursuant to UNCLOS,” said Zhao Lijian, spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry. “We hope relevant parties can view it in an objective and rational manner.”
“However, the actions of PLAN 792 did not constitute innocent passage and violated Philippine sovereignty,” the department said.
It noted that the movements of the Chinese navy ship “did not follow a track that can be considered as continuous and expeditious” as it lingered in the Sulu Sea for three days. The ship also reportedly continued its activities in Philippine waters despite being repeatedly directed by the Philippine Navy to leave immediately.
