Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad, spokesman for South China Sea issues, speaks as he displays a slide showing underwater drones recovered by fishermen and turned over to the authorities, during a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo in Manila on Apr 15, 2025. (Photo: AFP/Ted Aljibe)
| Published April 17, 2025
Manila, Philippines — The Philippine military has disclosed the recovery of five underwater drones in its territorial waters, with at least one device reportedly transmitting data to China. This revelation intensifies existing tensions between Manila and Beijing over activities in the South China Sea.CNA
Discovery and Capabilities
Between 2022 and 2024, local fishermen retrieved the drones from strategically significant areas, including the Balintang Channel near Taiwan, Masbate Island, and regions adjacent to Mindanao. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy’s spokesperson on South China Sea matters, stated that the drones possessed capabilities extending beyond navigation. They were equipped to collect data pertinent to underwater warfare, threat detection, and weapons testing.CNA
Notably, one of the drones contained a SIM card that had its last recorded activity in mainland China, suggesting a direct link to Chinese operations. While the origin of the drones has not been officially confirmed, several bore Chinese markings, raising suspicions about their provenance.CNA+1Latest news & breaking headlines+1
Strategic Implications
The locations where the drones were found are considered critical chokepoints for both national defense and international maritime navigation. The Philippine military’s findings coincide with upcoming large-scale joint military exercises with the United States, aimed at enhancing regional security and deterrence capabilities
The presence of CTD and Acoustic Vector Sensors underscores the technological sophistication of the devices and their ability to gather detailed undersea data. This type of drone has been recovered in Calayan Island and in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.
Regional Tensions
This development adds to the series of confrontations between the Philippines and China over disputed territories in the South China Sea. The presence of such sophisticated surveillance equipment in Philippine waters underscores the escalating nature of maritime disputes in the region.
Conclusion
The discovery of Chinese-linked underwater drones in Philippine waters is a clear warning sign of Beijing’s growing surveillance and military ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. This isn’t just about technology — it’s about territorial sovereignty, national security, and unchecked Chinese aggression.
From a conservative standpoint, this situation underscores the urgent need for the Philippines and its allies, especially the United States, to strengthen defense cooperation, secure vital sea lanes, and push back against foreign intrusion. It reinforces why joint military exercises and strategic alliances matter now more than ever.
Bottom line: China’s underwater presence is no accident — it’s a calculated move. The free world must treat it as such.
SOURCES: CHANNEL NEWS ASIA – Captured underwater drone sent messages to China: Philippine military
RAPPLER – What we know: PH military says undersea drones China-made, ‘likely’ deployed by CCP
Be the first to comment