China Defends Spy Ship’s Presence

Military representatives of the Chinese government defended the presence of a spy ship that has been patrolling waters near Hawaii while the U.S. Navy and navies of partner nations took part in the recent Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. According to a July 22 report by the Naval Institute Press, the vessel was an auxiliary intelligence ship. In a statement to Agence France Press, the Chinese ministry of defense said that its vessels had the right to operate within constraints of international law and practice.