China says navy ship's intrusion into Sulu Sea an 'innocent passage'

The Chinese government on Tuesday defended the intrusion of one of its navy ships into the Sulu Sea, saying it was consistent with international laws.

"The Chinese naval vessel's sailing through the Philippine waters was an exercise of the right of innocent passage pursuant to UNCLOS," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian at a press briefing, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

"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."

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest following the incident that took place on January 29 to February 1, 2022. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian was also summoned by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

"From 29 January to 01 February 2022, a PLAN Electronic Reconnaissance Ship (Dongdiao-class) with bow number 792 entered Philippine waters without permission, reaching the waters of Palawan’s Cuyo Group of Islands and Apo Island in Mindoro," the DFA said in a March 14 statement.

In the same statement, the agency said the Philippines has already recognized the right of innocent passage in accordance with Article 52 of the 1982 UNCLOS as it is a country which abides by its international commitments.

“However, the actions of PLAN 792 did not constitute innocent passage and violated Philippine sovereignty," the DFA said.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro then told Huang that Chinese vessels must "desist from entering Philippine waters uninvited and without permission."

The Philippine government in 2013 sued China before an international arbitral tribunal in The Hague. The court ruled in favor of the Philippines in July 2016 when it junked China's nine-dash claim over the South China Sea. —KBK, GMA News