(ETH) – Taiwan has just threatened to shoot down Chinese drones that have reportedly been spotted circling the Taipei-controlled Pratas Islands in the South China Sea according to a report from Reuters. The potential threat could dramatically increase tensions with Beijing.
Lee Chung-wei, who reportedly is head of the Ocean Affairs Council reported that they had recently spotted the drones circling the Pratas, though they have not flown over the islands.
“They have never entered our restricted waters and airspace, they’ve just flown around them at a certain distance,” Lee said.
When asked how the Coast Guard would respond if a Chinese drone entered that restricted zone, Lee said they had rules of engagement. “After it enters it will be handled under the rules. If we need to open fire, we open fire.”
