The Philippines has released images of a suspected Chinese rocket fragment that was found floating off the coast of Occidental Mindoro province.

Newsweek has contacted the Philippine coast guard and Chinese Defense Ministry via written requests for comment.

Why It Matters

China operates a major launch site on Hainan, an island province in the South China Sea, to support the country's ascendant space program. But launches from Hainan have periodically drawn criticism from neighboring countries.

Earlier this month, the Philippines reported " loud explosions " during the August 4 launch of a carrier rocket and warned residents in a designated drop zone off Palawan province of the "clear danger and risk" from falling debris. Authorities have also urged the public to report suspected roc

See Full Page