A Chinese naval fleet’s passage through the Basilan Strait has ignited regional debate, with Beijing asserting its actions were "fully in accordance with international law." 🚢⚖️
"The operations were conducted in a safe, standardized, and professional manner," said Tian Junli, spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command. The fleet’s movement on Monday included naval and air force training exercises in international waters, according to Tian.
The Philippine side, however, has accused China of "false hype" and "smearing normal passage rights," a claim Beijing calls "groundless." 🌏🤝 Tian emphasized that such criticism "undermines legitimate navigation rights for China and other nations."
The Basilan Strait, a key maritime route near the Philippines, remains a geopolitical hotspot as global powers navigate competing claims in Asia’s contested waters. What’s next for cross-regional diplomacy? Stay tuned. 🔍
