Amid accusations that China has sent a ship to 'spy' on the ongoing US-led RIMPAC Maritime Exercise, China's Ministry of Defense issued a statement on July 21, asserting that “The People’s Liberation Army naval ships’ operation in waters outside the territorial seas of other countries is in line with international law and international practice.” It added that "The Chinese side respect the rights of maritime countries in accordance with international laws, but also wishes relevant countries could respect the rights Chinese ships are entitled to enjoy by law." The as yet unidentified Dongdiao-class auxiliary general intelligence (AGI) ship arrived off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, shortly before commencement of the at-sea portion of the RIMPAC exercise. The present RIMPAC Maritime Exercise, which is scheduled to last till August, includes 50 ships, 200 aircraft and more than 25,000 military personnel from 23 nations.