The Philippines said Monday that it summoned China’s ambassador over the “illegal intrusion” and “lingering presence” of a Chinese navy ship in the country’s waters, and to demand China respect its territory. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement that a Chinese reconnaissance ship entered Philippine waters without permission from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1. The vessel was detected reaching the Cuyo Group of Islands in Palawan and Apo island in Mindoro. The Philippine navy vessel BRP Antonio Luna had challenged the Chinese vessel, which alleged that it was exercising “innocent passage,” and repeatedly ordered it to leave the country’s waters immediately, it stated. DFA said the Chinese vessel continued its activities in Philippine waters and “lingered” in the Sulu Sea for three days, despite the fact that its action did not constitute innocent passage and violated Philippine sovereignty. “Acting undersecretary Lazaro demanded that China respect Philippine …