Seven Chinese citizens have been taken into custody in Guam for allegedly entering the island illegally. The arrests coincide with a critical missile interception test conducted by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency at a military base on Dec. 10.
Authorities reported that at least four of the detainees were discovered near a military installation. Guam, a U.S. territory, is home to several key military sites, including Andersen Air Force Base, where the missile test was performed.
The individuals reportedly arrived by boat from Saipan, a nearby island. Guam’s Customs and Quarantine Agency has confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The Institute for the Study of War noted that activities such as this could be part of broader intelligence operations, with military sites like those in Guam being valuable targets for foreign espionage.
Guam is a significant hub for U.S. defense, with ongoing plans to create a complex air and missile defense network. This initiative, estimated at $10 billion, aims to integrate the latest missile defense systems to counter potential threats.
The Missile Defense Agency confirmed the success of the Dec. 10 test, adding that additional tests could take place annually to maintain operational effectiveness.
China’s government has not responded to inquiries about the arrests or the circumstances surrounding them.
