A Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said it did not have specific details on the matter.

However, the spokesperson said China had always conducted marine scientific research activities and used related equipment in accordance with international law.

“Based on international practice, it is not unusual for marine research equipment to drift into the territorial waters of other countries due to malfunctions or other reasons,” they told the ABC.

“There is no need for excessive interpretation or suspicion.”

I mean… I wasn’t suspicious before this statement.

Its got a logo on it FFS.

“Their goal is to be able to track submarines so that in wartime, they’re better placed to be able to attack and sink [them].”

Joke’s on them, we don’t have any viable submarines. And they’ll be waiting a LONG time for our Yankee stupid-boats to arrive, if they ever do.