TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The military has condemned Chinese netizens using drones to film activities on the outlying island of Erdan near Kinmen, reports said Saturday (March 30).
Rumors circulated online that unmanned aerial vehicles had captured footage of military movements on Erdan Island, a Taiwanese-held island within view of the Chinese city of Xiamen.
An investigation by the Kinmen Defense Command concluded the footage had been shot Friday (March 29) afternoon while soldiers were offloading supplies, per CNA. Because of the distance and glare from the sun, the military did not reportedly notice the drone.
The Kinmen Defense Command said local officers could take appropriate measures based on the threat level the drones posed. The military blamed some Chinese netizens for the provocative behavior, which could easily escalate into a serious incident.
A failure by the Chinese authorities to take action could lead to confrontation, which would affect regional peace and stability, according to the Kinmen Defense Command.
The area saw tensions rise after the February capsizing of an unmarked Chinese speedboat during a chase by Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration. The vessel was found in restricted waters near Kinmen.
