US, China expand drone operations in Indo-Pacific; Japan detects uptick in Chinese flights

China and the US have increased uncrewed aircraft deployments in the Indo-Pacific, with Chinese drones patrolling passages near Japan and a US Marine detachment operating near disputed South China Sea islands. Japan has detected an uptick in Chinese military aircraft activity in waters enabling transit beyond the first island chain, coinciding with large-scale joint exercises with Tokyo. This escalation signals heightened military competition in the region, though the operational intent and potential for miscalculation remain uncertain.

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