China returns U.S. undersea drone it seized in international waters

Chinese and American flags fly on the Chinese Navy frigate called Yancheng in San Diego on December 6, 2016 during a four day visit to California. — (Image credit: Bill Wechter/Getty Images)

Early Tuesday, the Pentagon said China has returned an underwater U.S. Navy research drone it "unlawfully seized" from international waters in the South China Sea last week, and called on "Chinese authorities to comply with their obligations under international law and to refrain from further efforts to impede lawful U.S. activities." The drone was handed over to the USS Mustin near where it was apprehended by China, near Subic Bay in the Philippines. China said the drone was returned after "friendly" talks with the U.S.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.