Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry

In response to an inquiry that Palau's president has accused China of flouting its maritime borders, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday that he is not familiar with the situation and emphasized that China is a responsible country and has always conducted distant-water fishing and marine scientific research activities in accordance with the law and regulations. 

Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. has accused China of flouting the Pacific nation’s maritime borders, raising concerns about research vessels lurking “uninvited” within its waters, AFP reported. 

The president of the Pacific Islands nation of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr, was returned for a second term after a national election held last week, Reuters reported on Wednesday.