US will sell 34 surveillance drones to allies in South China Sea region to keep closer eye on Beijing’s activities
- ScanEagle drones, made by Boeing, will be sold to governments of Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam for a total of US$47 million
- The drones would afford greater intelligence gathering capabilities potentially curbing Chinese activity in the region
The drones would afford greater intelligence gathering capabilities potentially curbing Chinese activity in the region.
Shanahan did not directly name China when making accusations of “actors” destabilising the region in a speech at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday but went on to say the United States would not ignore Chinese behaviour.
The Pentagon announced on Friday it would sell 34 ScanEagle drones, made by Boeing, to the governments of Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam for a total of US$47 million.
China claims almost all of the strategic South China Sea and frequently lambasts the US and its allies over naval operations near Chinese-occupied islands. Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing claims.