Q:The Indian media reported that the Indian Navy Chief said that India had “driven away” a Chinese vessel from India’s Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) in the Andaman Sea in September this year. What is your comment?

A: The Chinese side has always conducted freedom of scientific research under relevant laws in international waters, and fully respects the jurisdiction of costal states to authorize marine scientific research in their waters under its jurisdiction. The Chinese scientific research vessel conducted only normal passage in India’s EEZ which accorded with the regulation of NUCLOS, without any scientific research activity. It is hoped that the two sides could strengthen dialogue and communication, and enhance mutual trust.