Dongsha island: A Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) military drone was detected in the airspace of Taiwan-controlled Dongsha Island, internationally known as Pratas Island, at 5:44 a.m. Saturday and departed four minutes later, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).

According to Focus Taiwan, the MND said in a press release that the surveillance and reconnaissance drone was first detected at dawn, entering the territorial airspace of Dongsha Island, which is located in the South China Sea, approximately 444 kilometers from the southern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung, at 5:44 a.m.

After Taiwan’s military broadcast a warning via an international channel, the drone left at 5:48 a.m. on Saturday, the MND said.

The ministry condemned the PLA’s actions as “highly provocative and irresponsible,” saying they undermined regional stability and violated international norms.

The MND said Taiwan’s military will remain on high alert and respond in accordance with its Regulations on Handling Contingencies During the Regular Combat Readiness Period.