Chinese Navy Steals US Underwater Drone In South China Sea

A US oceanographic vessel had its underwater research drone “unlawfully” seized by a Chinese warship as it was being recovered in international waters in the South China Sea, defence officials announced Thursday. The Daily Express reports: The incident took place northwest of Subic Bay just as the USNS Bowditch, an oceanographic survey ship, was about to retrieve the unmanned, underwater vehicle (UUV). The incident has triggered a formal demand from the US for the drone’s return, according to a defence official. The US research vessel had tried to retrieve the glider, but the Chinese ship – which US officials believe was already shadowing the USNS Bowditch – swooped in and “unlawfully retrieved it.” A US defence official said: “It was taken. “The UUV was lawfully conducting a military survey in the waters of the South China Sea. “It’s a sovereign immune vessel, clearly marked in English not to be removed from the water – that it was US property.” Navy Captain Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, confirmed the US has issued a formal diplomatic complaint and is asking for the drone’s return. He said: “It is ours, and it is clearly marked as ours and we would like it back. And [...]

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