WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US oceanographic vessel USNS Bowditch stopped some 100 miles off the port at Subic Bay to pick up two drones when a Chinese vessel captured one of them.
Chinese counterparts did not respond to radio communications at the time, according to media report.
Washington and Beijing interests clash in the South China Sea, with China and US allies, including the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam, having competing claims to the territory. The US Navy continues patrols in the area despite Chinese protests.
Never miss a story again — sign up to our Telegram channel and we'll keep you up to speed!