Moscow is surprised by the reaction of the Philippines to the passage of a Russian submarine in its economic zone

Russia is surprised by the reaction of the Philippines to the passage of a submarine of the Russian Navy in the exclusive economic zone of this country. The vessel's stay was absolutely legitimate, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing.

On December 2, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed concern about the presence of the Russian Ufa diesel—electric submarine in the waters of the South China Sea, noting that any penetration into the country's exclusive economic zone "causes great concern."

"Frankly speaking, this reaction surprised us," Zakharova said, recalling that, in accordance with Article 58 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, "vessels of all states, both coastal and non—coastal, enjoy freedom of navigation in the exclusive economic zone."

"In this regard, the presence of a Russian submarine in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines is legitimate and does not violate the norms of international maritime law," the diplomat stressed, quoted by TASS.