China will return a U.S. drone that was scooped up by its navy in the disputed South China Sea, both countries confirmed Saturday as the row drew in U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
"Through direct engagement with Chinese authorities, we have secured an understanding that the Chinese will return the UUV to the United States," Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said in a statement issued Saturday, referring to the unmanned underwater vehicle the U.S. said had been operating in international waters.
In a statement posted to its website, China's Defense Ministry said it would hand over the drone "in an appropriate manner," without giving a time frame.