By Patricia Lourdes Viray
MANILA, Philippines — In its reply to the Philippines' note verbale seeking clarification over their presence in Benham Rise, Beijing only affirmed that they recognize Manila's sovereign rights over the undersea plateau.
China, however, did not explain the reason why they were in the area, the Philippines' top diplomat said Tuesday.
"They replied to us when we requested for this information of what they were doing. What they did reply was they recognize our sovereign rights over Benham Rise," Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said in a televised press briefing.
Manalo earlier said that the Philippines had denied previous requests of China to conduct marine research in Benham Rise due to failure to fulfill requirements.
Asked if China violated the Philippines' sovereign rights over the region by passing through Benham Rise without permission, Manalo said that Beijing might only be exercising the right of innocent passage.
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