Drone of Discord: Beijing, Washington in Touch About Seized Underwater Vehicle

Washington and Beijing are in talks over the seizure of a US underwater drone by a Chinese warship.

BEIJING (Sputnik) — The US and Chinese military forces are in contact about the situation concerning a US underwater drone, seized by Beijing, in order to resolve the incident in a due manner, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

"The sides are discussing the situation through military channels. The incident will be resolved in an appropriate manner," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

According to Pentagon, the US underwater drone, launched from a US oceanographic vessel USNS Bowditch, was seized by a Chinese warship on December 15. The US soldiers claim the drone was conducting research in accordance with the international standards.

However, the Chinese Defense Ministry said the drone was captured to avoid endangering the passing ships and their crews. The ministry later announced it would return the drone.

US President-elect Donald Trump said the US would not take it back and described the incident as an "unprecedented act."

When asked to comment on Trump's statement, Chunying said "there a many comments around the world, we will not make a separate statement on this occasion."

The incident took place in a disputed South China Sea region, with China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam putting forth competing territorial claims. Despite protests from the Chinese government, the US Navy continues patrols in the area.