MALACAÑANG sees nothing "objectionable" on the move of the United States (US) to carry out a "freedom of navigation" exercise near disputed Mischief Reef in the South China Sea.
"The Philippines has no objection regarding that presumed innocent passage of sea craft," Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella told a press conference.
"That is, of course, the freedom of navigation. In other words, from our side, we find no objection. We don't find it objectionable," he added.
The US Navy said its warship, USS John S. McCain, sailed Thursday in a so-called freedom of navigation operation within 12 nautical miles of Mischief (Panganiban) Reef.
Mischief Reef lies about 129 nautical miles west of Palawan but China took control of it and created artificial island despite Philippines' insistence that is within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla Jr. said "freedom of navigation" operation "is guaranteed."
"Freedom of navigation is guaranteed and anyone can do it so we just need to monitor. And as long as it is within the bounds set forth by international law, then it is all right," he said.
The US Navy's conduct of exercise in the contested waters, however, earned China's "displeasure."
The Chinese Foreign Ministry accused the US government of violating the Chinese and international law, as it "seriously" breached Beijing's sovereignty and security.
"China is very displeased with this and will bring up the issue with the US side," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
US Pacific Fleet spokesperson Lieutenant Commander Nicole Schwegman said all Navy operations "are conducted in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows." (VoxPop Philippines)
