China seizes US naval underwater probe in S. China Sea: defense official
The vessel's seizure comes amid continued tensions in the South China Sea
Chinese dredging vessels are purportedly seen in the waters around Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. PHOTO: REUTERS
WASHINGTON:
China has seized an unmanned US naval underwater testing vehicle in the South China Sea, a US defense official told AFP on Friday.
"It was taken" by China, the official said, adding the craft was seized in international waters about 50 miles off Subic Bay.
Trump questions 'one China policy' without Beijing concessions
The "naval glider" was used to test water salinity and temperatures to help in the mapping of underwater channels, the official said.
While the probe was a US Navy vessel, it was operated by civilians, the official said.
The vessel's seizure comes amid continued tensions in the South China Sea.
China has seized an unmanned US naval underwater testing vehicle in the South China Sea, a US defense official told AFP on Friday.
"It was taken" by China, the official said, adding the craft was seized in international waters about 50 miles off Subic Bay.
Trump questions 'one China policy' without Beijing concessions
The "naval glider" was used to test water salinity and temperatures to help in the mapping of underwater channels, the official said.
While the probe was a US Navy vessel, it was operated by civilians, the official said.
The vessel's seizure comes amid continued tensions in the South China Sea.