Beijing Denies Chinese Research Vessel Entering Vietnam's EEZ

Archives - Two stretcher ships assisted the submarine belonging to the North Fleet Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) while docking at its base in January 2023. ANTARA/China Military

JAKARTA - Chinese authorities in Beijing have denied allegations that the Xiang Yang Hong-10 research vessel has entered the Vietnam Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

"No one is named into the EEZ of another country," said Chinese Foreign Ministry (MFA) spokesman Mao Ning as reported by ANTARA, Friday, May 26.

According to him, the ship carried out legitimate activities in water areas under China's jurisdiction.

He claimed the ship was in the vicinity of the Nansha Islands in the South China Sea which is China's sovereign territory.

"Regarding the issue of the South China Sea, we communicate with all parties and are ready to deal with disputes through dialogue and consultation for the sake of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea," said Mao.

Nevertheless, Mao emphasized that his country remains committed to protecting China's rights and interests.

Vietnam has accused Chinese research ships and several companion ships of violating territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea.

On Thursday (25/5), Vietnam urged China to move the research vessel from the waters of the South China Sea which is claimed to have entered Vietnam's sovereign territory.

China and Vietnam have long been involved in territorial disputes over the South China Sea which is a strategic route for the distribution of trading commodities worth US$3 trillion (around Rp44.93 quadrillion) per year.

Xiang Yong Hong-10 is a Chinese-flagged research vessel built in 2014 to carry out an underwater research mission.