Chinese Underwater Drone Found in Philippine Waters Raises Security Concerns

The discovery of the Chinese-made device highlights ongoing tensions over territorial disputes in the South China Sea

Filipino fishermen retrieved a Chinese underwater drone, marked HY-119, near Masbate Island on December 30, 2024.
Philippine authorities identified the device as a navigation and communication system with potential surveillance capabilities.
The drone's presence in Philippine internal waters underscores China's expanding activities in the disputed South China Sea region.
Experts suggest the drone could be part of China's strategy to map sea lanes and monitor undersea territories for military purposes.
The incident adds to ongoing maritime tensions between China and the Philippines, with recent clashes involving Chinese coast guard vessels in contested areas.