Philippines Summons Chinese Envoy Over Navy’s ‘Lingering Presence’ in Territory

A Philippine flag flutters from BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated Philippine Navy ship that has been aground since 1999 and became a Philippine military detachment on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, in the South China Sea, on March 29, 2014. Erik De Castro/Reuters

The Philippines said Monday that it summoned China’s ambassador over the “illegal intrusion” and “lingering presence” of a Chinese navy ship in the country’s waters, and to demand China respect its territory.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement that a Chinese reconnaissance ship entered Philippine waters without permission from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1. The vessel was detected reaching the Cuyo Group of Islands in Palawan and Apo island in Mindoro.