Chinese drones were detected in Vietnam’s airspace following joint exercises with the Philippines. Experts suggest it is a tactic by China to disrupt regional power dynamics. Relations between Vietnam and the Philippines are warming, with joint drills being conducted. China rejects claims by Vietnam and the Philippines in the South China Sea.
Chinese drones have been detected in Vietnam’s airspace twice recently, a move experts believe was prompted by the strengthened relationship between Vietnam and the Philippines. Roni Sontani, founder of Airspace Review in Indonesia, reported that the Chinese WZ-10 surveillance drone entered Vietnam’s airspace in response to joint exercises with the Philippines. Vu Duc Khanh, a law professor at the University of Ottawa, noted that China often uses a “divide and rule” tactic to disrupt regional cooperation efforts that could challenge its own power status.
The drone incursions coincided with joint coast guard training exercises between Vietnam and the Philippines, occurring on August 2 and during a meeting between naval commanders in Hanoi. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), identified as a Wing Loong-10, flew approximately 800 kilometers within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone before returning near Phan Rang province. Data from Flightradar24 indicated that the same drone was used on both flights, originating from China’s Hainan Island.
Despite the drone incursions and escalating tensions, Ha Hoang Hop, president of VietKnow think tank in Hanoi, highlighted the importance of the joint drills between the Philippines and Vietnam in promoting mutual support and cooperation in resolving South China Sea issues. Vu emphasized the significance of the warming relationship between the two countries for regional peace and security, but also cautioned that Beijing could resort to more aggressive tactics, potentially involving the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the future.
Source : Chinese drones detected off Vietnam days before military drills with Philippines
