This article is from the source 'rtcom' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.rt.com/usa/370559-china-us-drone-sea/

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
China seizes US underwater drone in South China sea's international waters - report China seizes US underwater drone in South China sea's international waters
(35 minutes later)
A US Defense official said a Chinese Navy warship seized an underwater drone deployed by an American oceanographic vessel in international waters, Reuters reported. A Chinese Navy warship seized an underwater drone deployed by an American oceanographic vessel in international waters.
The mission of the survey ship, USS Bowditch, had been sampling and data collection of surface, midwater and ocean floor measurements.The mission of the survey ship, USS Bowditch, had been sampling and data collection of surface, midwater and ocean floor measurements.
The USS Bowditch was sailing about 100 miles off the port at Subic Bay when the incident happened. The survey ship had stopped to pick up two underwater drones when a Chinese naval ship that had been shadowing the Bowditch put a small boat into the water. The small boast came up alongside and the Chinese crew took one of the drones.The USS Bowditch was sailing about 100 miles off the port at Subic Bay when the incident happened. The survey ship had stopped to pick up two underwater drones when a Chinese naval ship that had been shadowing the Bowditch put a small boat into the water. The small boast came up alongside and the Chinese crew took one of the drones.
The United States is calling for the return of the drone, which was seized in the South China Sea on Thursday, according to Reuters. A US survey ship was about to retrieve the drone before it was captured. The United States is calling for the return of the drone, which was seized in the South China Sea on Thursday, according to Reuters.
The US received no answer from the Chinese on the radio when it said the drones American property, according to US defense officials. US oceanographic research vessels are often followed by the Chinese on the assumption they are spying.The Pentagon has not commented officially on the incident. A US survey ship was about to retrieve the drone before it was captured.
The US received no answer from the Chinese on the radio when it said the drones American property, according to US defense officials.
US oceanographic research vessels are often followed by the Chinese on the assumption they are spying.
The Pentagon has confirmed the information first reported by Reuters.
The US has committed to beefing up its military presence in the region and has been conducting stepped-up naval patrols and exercises in the South China Sea, which is adjacent to the Chinese mainland and key military bases on Hainan Island.The US Navy insists on its right to operate throughout the area, including waters close to China’s new outposts. It has carried out three so-called ‘Freedom of Navigation Operations’ sending warships within the 12-nauticial mile territorial limits of China’s islets.
China has strongly criticized such missions.
A US think tank says recent satellite images appear to show that China has installed anti-aircraft and anti-missile weapons on its man-made islands in the South China Sea.
The Center for International and Strategic Studies in a report released on Wednesday said the anti-aircraft guns and close-in weapons are designed to guard against missile attack have been placed on all seven of China’s newly created islands.
The outposts were built in recent years by piling sand on top of coral reefs followed by construction of military grade, 3,000 meter (10,000 foot) airstrips, barracks, lighthouse radar stations and other infrastructure.
The think tank based its conclusion on satellite images taken in mid-to-late November.
In September the Pentagon said it wanted to “sharpen its military edge” in Asia Pacific.
Defense Secretary Carter said the Pentagon will focus efforts on modernizing its military capabilities in the region including Air Force modernization of the KC-46A tanker, B-21 bomber and F-35 joint strike fighter.
Military Times said the defense agency plans to invest in undersea drones and advanced torpedoes.
China has been critical of the US expansion in the region. In early September the Chinese Defense Ministry warned the US against deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system in South Korea.
China also warned Tokyo against “playing with fire” and joining US-led naval “patrols” and  in the South China Sea, after Tokyo announced plans to increase joint military activities with the US to counter Chinese dominance earlier in September.
The US has military bases in at least 74 countries worldwide, including a number of facilities in Asia Pacific. Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, and Guam all host American military bases, while US military personnel is also deployed in Thailand.