Philippines challenges Chinese research ship spotted off northern coast amid Taiwan tensions

Cagayan, the northernmost province of Luzon near Taiwan, hosts one of nine military bases accessible to US forces under the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

The Chinese embassy in Manila said the vessel was on normal manoeuvres.

It added that China does not accept certain Philippine domestic maritime laws and, under international law, has the right to pass through the waters as part of a maritime route.