China Flies Surveillance Drone in Taiwan's Airspace

China flew a surveillance drone in Taiwan's airspace for the first time last Saturday and deployed thousands of fishing boats to form barriers near Taiwan.
Published: 1/21/2026, 12:00:01 AM EST

China flew a surveillance drone in Taiwan's airspace for the first time last Saturday and deployed thousands of fishing boats to form barriers near Taiwan.

Taiwan’s defense ministry said the reconnaissance drone entered the airspace of Pratas, an island 250 miles away and controlled by Taiwan.

The drone flew above the range of Taiwan's air defense systems. It left the area after Taiwan issued warnings.