Filipino fishermen are repeatedly discovering underwater drones believed to be of Chinese origin operating in the waters of the West Philippine Sea, raising concerns about surveillance adn potential maritime security implications. Recent recoveries include devices found near Scarborough Shoal and other contested areas, prompting investigations by Philippine authorities.
The ongoing discoveries,dating back to at least 2023,underscore escalating tensions in the South china Sea and highlight China’s persistent presence in waters claimed by the Philippines.These unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) are suspected of gathering intelligence on marine resources, military activity, and the seabed topography. The Philippines views these actions as a violation of its sovereign rights and a destabilizing factor in the region, perhaps escalating disputes and complicating ongoing negotiations over maritime boundaries.
Fishermen first began reporting the unusual finds in late 2023, initially mistaking the devices for marine debris. Subsequent analysis by Philippine military and intelligence agencies confirmed the UUVs’ sophisticated technology and likely Chinese manufacture. one drone recovered near Scarborough shoal in June 2024 was described as a “glider-type” UUV, capable of autonomous underwater navigation and data collection.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been tasked with investigating the incidents and coordinating with other agencies to monitor the situation. In a statement released on october 2, 2025, PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to protecting its maritime domain and ensuring the safety of its fishermen. “We are taking these discoveries very seriously and are working to determine the full extent of this activity,” Tarriela stated.China has not officially acknowledged the recovered drones, but has previously defended its activities in the South China Sea as legitimate and consistent with international law. Experts suggest the UUVs are part of a broader Chinese strategy to assert its claims in the region and monitor the activities of rival claimants. the continued discoveries are likely to fuel further diplomatic protests from Manila and potentially lead to increased security cooperation with allies, including the United States.
