Fishermen in the Philippines have made an unexpected catch: a suspected Chinese underwater spy drone. The discovery has raised concerns about China’s surveillance activities in the disputed South China Sea.
Three fishermen found the unmanned, torpedo-shaped drone floating in the waters off San Pascual in Masbate province on Monday.
Marked “HY-119,” the drone is believed to be a Chinese underwater navigation and communication system potentially used for surveillance and reconnaissance.
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“Based on our open-source research… HY-119 refers to a Chinese underwater navigation and communication system,” regional police director Andre Dizon said. “It has an antenna and an eye that can be used for viewing.”
While the drone itself was unarmed, police have noted “potential national security implications” in their report. The drone has been turned over to the Philippine Navy for further analysis.
This incident comes amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea. China claims almost the entire sea, despite competing claims from neighboring countries and an international ruling that invalidates its claims. Recent months have seen an escalation in confrontations, including a December incident where Chinese vessels fired water cannons at a Philippine patrol vessel.
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The discovery of the drone is likely to further strain relations between the Philippines and China. It also underscores the growing concerns about China’s expanding military presence and surveillance activities in the region.
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