Beijing: China has been carrying out a series of covert drone flights over the South China Sea in operations that security experts believe could be rehearsals for a future conflict involving Taiwan.
According to a recent investigation, a large Chinese military drone believed to be the Wing Loong 2 has flown repeated missions while masking its true identity. Flight tracking data shows at least 23 missions since August 2025 using the call sign YILO4200, with the aircraft transmitting false identification signals to appear as other planes.
Analysts say the drone impersonated several aircraft types, including a Belarusian cargo plane and even a British fighter jet, a tactic that could confuse monitoring systems and obscure the aircraft’s real purpose.
The flights reportedly originated from Hainan Island and passed through strategic maritime areas, including routes near submarine pathways and the Bashi Channel, a crucial waterway between Taiwan and the Pacific Ocean. Experts believe these routes mirror potential military pathways in the event of a crisis in the Taiwan Strait.
Security specialists describe the operations as part of grey zone warfare tactics designed to pressure rivals without triggering open conflict. By disguising drone identities, the flights could delay detection, create confusion, and complicate military responses during a crisis.
Although advanced radar systems can still detect such aircraft, even brief uncertainty can be significant in modern warfare where rapid response times are critical.
The drone involved is capable of long endurance surveillance, command and control functions, precision strikes, and anti submarine roles, making it a versatile asset in both intelligence gathering and combat support.
The findings come amid rising tensions around Taiwan. In recent months, Taiwan has reported provocative Chinese drone flights near its outlying islands, while Beijing has conducted large scale military drills simulating blockades and strike operations. Taiwan’s military has also increased defensive exercises in response to the growing pressure.
China’s defence ministry has not commented on the reported drone activity. In the past, Chinese authorities have described flights near disputed areas as routine training exercises.
Analysts say the masked drone missions do not indicate an imminent attack but demonstrate growing military sophistication and preparation. The operations highlight increasing strategic pressure in the Taiwan Strait, one of the world’s most sensitive security flashpoints.