China and US expand military drone flights near Japan and the South China Sea

What happened: China and the US expanded uncrewed aircraft deployments across sensitive Indo-Pacific waters, with mainland drones patrolling strategic passages near Japan and a US Marine detachment operating near disputed South China Sea islands. Why it matters: Japan detected an uptick in Chinese military aircraft operations in waters that enable Beijing's naval forces to transit beyond the first island chain, coinciding with large-scale joint exercises between Tokyo and partners.

China and US expanding military drone flights near Japan and South China Sea signals rising geopolitical tension.

China and US expanding military drone flights near Japan and South China Sea signals rising geopolitical tension. — impact context not separately stored; see What changed.