ISTANBUL

China said Tuesday that one of its vessels in the southern Indian Ocean conducted "scientific research" under UN law.

"China’s scientific research activities in relevant waters are for peaceful purposes and aimed at contributing to humanity’s scientific understanding of the ocean," Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters in Beijing.

The activities "are in strict compliance with the terms of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea," said Wang about the Xiang Yang Hong 3, according to a transcript released by the ministry.

Beijing’s statement about the Xiang Yang Hong 3 came as its passage in southern India waters drew media attention.

The Chinese vessel was granted permission by the Maldives for a port call last month.

But the island nation said China had made a diplomatic request for "necessary clearances to make a port call, for rotation of personnel and replenishment."

"The vessel would not be conducting any research while in the Maldivian waters," said the Maldives Foreign Ministry, adding Male continues to host civilian and military vessels making port calls for "peaceful purposes."

"The Maldives continues to uphold international best practices, and relevant international maritime law on all such cases," it said last month.

Wang hailed "close cooperation in the field of marine scientific research" with Maldives.

Beijing "appreciates the facilitation and assistance extended by the Maldives to Chinese research vessels entering its port on the basis of sovereignty and China-Maldives friendship and in accordance with the relevant provisions of international law," he added.