Chinese students arrested for capturing drone footage of US aircraft carrier in South Korea
US Navy's USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier (C), south of Jeju islands on April 11, 2024
Three Chinese students are under investigation by South Korean police for allegedly taking illegal photographs of a US aircraft carrier visiting the country, according to reports from Korean media on Wednesday (July 24).
The Chinese nationals were arrested on June 25 for allegedly flying a drone towards the Naval Operations Command in Busan and capturing unauthorised images of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, which was docked at the base.
The Korea JoongAng Daily reported that the drone recorded over five minutes of footage of the carrier and its surroundings.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier part of Carrier Strike Group 9, arrived at Busan Naval Base on June 22. It was accompanied by the destroyers USS Halsey and USS Daniel Inouye for a joint naval exercise involving South Korea, the United States, and Japan.
Busan police have accused the Chinese nationals of violating the Enforcement Decree of the Protection of Military Bases and Installations Act. This law states that individuals caught photographing military bases or facilities without authorisation can face up to three years in prison or a fine of 30 million won (US$21,700).
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The three Chinese nationals, aged between 30 and 49, claimed their actions were driven by curiosity, according to a report by the Yonhap News Agency.
China-South Korea ties in recent years
The ties between Beijing and Seoul have been marked by distrust in recent years. South Korea is deepening its ties with the United States, Japan and Australia through joint drills amid Beijing's maritime belligerence in and beyond the Sea of Japan.
South Korea earlier this year confirmed it was in talks to join US-led security pact AUKUS, following a similar move by Japan.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has noted that the relations between the two countries are facing "challenges and difficulties". In an indirect reference to the US, China has called for an end to external interference in the relationship even as it continues with its policy of maritime and territorial expansionism.
(With inputs from agencies)