TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States has accused China of sending a spy ship to international waters off Hawaii during a massive US-led naval exercise of 22 countries. Prior to the naval exercise, US intelligence has warned the Navy about "the proximity of the Chinese surveillance vessel and noted that China also sent a similar ship to monitor the last Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise two years ago."
"We've taken all necessary precautions to protect our critical information," said Captain Darryn James, chief spokesman of the US Pacific Fleet, as cited by Reuters. "We expect this ship will remain outside of US territorial seas and not operate in a manner that disrupts the ongoing Rim of the Pacific maritime exercise."
The Chinese Department of Defense responded in a statement that their fleet were operating within international waters and airspace. Moreover, China begged that all nations, including the US, can respect the legal rights that its vessels have.
ANINGTIAS JATMIKA | REUTERS
