China has accused the American Seamen in the illegal activity.

American ship illegally held in the South China Sea in Beijing without permission, violating international and Chinese laws. According to the AP, in a manner representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Ma Chzhaosyuy comment on the incident, which occurred on 8 March.
Previously, the Pentagon has accused the Chinese seamen in the breach of international maritime law and creating a dangerous situation. According to the American side, some small Chinese vessels resembling fishing boat dangerously closer to the research USS Impekkabl. Chinese American sailors showed their underwear, abandoned debris and demanded to leave the area of research.
The Americans argue that the incident occurred in international waters, while in Beijing believe that the U.S. Navy ship was in China's exclusive economic zone.
"Impekkabl" is acoustic studies seabed. According to the American television channel Fox News, the PRC considered almost all the South China Sea its territory, which leads to conflict with other littoral states - the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.
In Beijing, considered illegal any collection of information by foreigners in the Chinese economic zone, while in Washington insist that the restrictions apply only to the exploitation of natural resources.