China's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that one of its vessels was patrolling normally in waters under its jurisdiction after Indonesia protested that a Chinese coast guard vessel had entered its exclusive economic zone.

"China's rights and interests in relevant waters are clear," foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters at a daily briefing.

He also said China and Indonesia have always maintained communication about relevant water issues.

On Monday, the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency said it detected a Chinese ship in its exclusive economic zone in what Indonesia calls the North Natuna waters on Saturday. Jakarta said the Chinese vessel left on Monday.