China returns U.S. underwater drone

China has returned a U.S. Navy drone it seized last week in the South China Sea. Chinese officials said in a statement the country’s defense ministry returned the drone after “friendly consultations.” But Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook continued to insist the seizure violated both international law and professionalism for conduct between navies at sea.” Cook also said the United States would continue its operations in the South China Sea “wherever international law allows.” The U.S. presence in the disputed waters rankles Beijing, which is trying to expand its holdings in the area by building artificial islands. Chinese officials say they picked up the unclassified drone to prevent any obstruction to shipping lanes. But analysts say the incident was designed to send a message to President-elect Donald Trump, who broke longstanding tradition by talking directly with the Taiwanese president by phone. China maintains Taiwan is a rogue Chinese territory, not an independent nation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.