Malaysia protests China’s vessels in its territorial watersMalaysia summoned China’s ambassador on Monday to protest the presence and activities of Chinese vessels off the coasts of Sabah and Sarawak states, describing the incident as an encroachment. In June, Malaysia protested an “intrusion” by 16 Chinese air force planes over the disputed waters. China’s foreign affairs ministry said on Tuesday the survey vessel was conducting a “normal scientific investigation” in its own territory. “China is willing to keep communicating with Malaysia on the issue, and maintain the development of China-Malaysia relationship and the stability and peace of the South China Sea,” the spokesman’s office at the foreign affairs ministry said in a statement. Malaysia is one of several countries in the region that disputes China’s claims over the South China Sea, while Beijing regularly asserts sovereignty over about four-fifths of the waters.
