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Fishermen operating off the Philippines coast have recovered a suspected Chinese submarine drone.

What’s the deal: According to authorities in the Philippines, a submarine drone marked “HY-119” was recovered approximately six miles off the coast of San Pascual in Masbate Province by local fishermen. The unarmed drone, measuring about six feet in length and resembling a torpedo with fins, was floating in the water when it was discovered. Upon inspection, the device was identified as a Chinese underwater navigation and communication system, equipped with an antenna and an optical “eye,” which authorities suggest could be used for reconnaissance, underwater monitoring, and communication tasks.

The HY-119 is believed to possess advanced technological capabilities, including secure encryption, frequency hopping, and low-detection probability features, making it suitable for submarine communication, naval operations, and oceanographic research. While the drone was not weaponized, its presence in Philippine waters has raised significant national security concerns. Officials have raised concerns about its potential to gather intelligence or conduct surveillance in a region with major maritime disputes.

At the moment, China has not commented on the discovery and claims made by authorities in the Philippines.

This comes amid escalating tensions between China and the Philippines over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. China, which claims nearly the entire South China Sea with its “nine-dash line,” overlaps with the Philippines’ internationally recognized exclusive economic zone (EEZ). These overlapping claims have led to confrontations at sea, affecting freedom of navigation.