China lays claim to almost the entire South China Sea.
Territorial rows with China have usually centered on the South China Sea, west of the Philippines, a conduit for about $5 trillion of shipped goods annually.
A Senate hearing this week revealed China sought permission two years ago to survey Benham Rise, but the request was rejected because it would not let Philippine experts take part.
China says the ship was simply passing through the area and was not engaged in any other activity, and the country`s foreign minister said last week China fully respects the Philippines` maritime area rights over Benham Rise.
He has come under pressure of late for what critics say is a defeatist stance, accusing him of turning a blind eye to China`s island-building in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines and its activities at Benham Rise.
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