China returns seized underwater drone to US after 'friendly' talks
A US drone picked up by a Chinese naval vessel off the Philippines has been returned after what Beijing called "friendly" talks between the countries.
The US confirmed the unmanned underwater vehicle had been handed back to the guided missile destroyer USS Mustin in international waters near Subic Bay, close to where it was seized.
However, Washington was less conciliatory about events describing them as "inconsistent with both international law and standards of professionalism for conduct between navies at sea".
The drone was being operated by civilian contractors collecting unclassified scientific data in international waters when it was taken, US officials said.
The USNS Bowditch, a non-combat vessel, was picking up two drones when a Chinese ship approached, launched a small boat and picked up one of them.
China has increased its military presence in the South China Sea in recent years, angering the other nations which dispute its control of various parts of the region.
Beijing is suspicious of US military activities in the area and state media suggested the drone was part of surveillance efforts.
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