That looks like a flight capable aircraft to me. I am partly surprised that the carry lugs are not spring loaded and able to rotate to create a flush surface. I suppose the flow there will be turbulent anyway so not worth the effort. Looks like a high and fast recon UAV. Question is, could the H-8 get out past the target to fire the UAV back towards the landing site in the case of Taiwan. Seems less of an issue in the SCS where it may well be able to get from one side to the other.
From the look of that open upper access panel, I would suggest it has parachute braking. I imagine its pretty fast on landing so long runway or good decceleration capabilities.