Chinese Drone Briefly Enters Airspace Over Taiwan-Controlled Pratas Islands

On January 17, 2026, a Chinese military reconnaissance drone briefly entered the airspace over Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands in the South China Sea, flying at an altitude beyond Taiwan's air-defense reach. Taiwan's defense ministry condemned the move as provocative and destabilizing, issuing warnings that led to the drone's withdrawal. China described the flight as routine training. Analysts view this incident as part of China's broader strategy of incremental pressure around the islands, involving coordinated multi-domain operations to limit Taiwan's control and influence in the region.