US shifts South China Sea reconnaissance towards drones and Philippines: think tank (opens original article in a new tab)

US reduced freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, shifting focus to drones and the Philippines for reconnaissance, according to a Beijing-based think tank report.

• US freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea decreased last year
• US increased reliance on Philippines and drones for reconnaissance in the region
• Report indicates US military presence in Asia-Pacific remains a priority