The Philippine coast guard accused a Chinese ship of hitting one of its vessels with a military-grade laser light, temporarily blinding its sailors.
Video from officials in Manila shows a green laser coming from a Chinese coast guard ship blocking the path of a Philippine vessel in the disputed South China Sea on Feb. 6. The Chinese ship came within 450 feet of the Philippine ship, Philippine coast guard officials said Monday.
The Philippine ship was attempting to escort a vessel hauling rations and personnel to another ship marooned on Second Thomas Shoal.
Chinese ships have previously obstructed Philippine sailors, though a Filipino coast guard spokesperson told the Associated Press this was the first time China caused physical suffering to its seamen. Manila called China’s alleged actions a violation of its sovereign rights in the “West Philippine Sea.”
Beijing hasn’t confirmed the use of a laser during the alleged confrontation.
“We hope the Philippines will earnestly respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea and avoid any actions that may lead to the expansion of the dispute and complication of the situation,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters in China.
The Philippines made nearly 200 complaints over China’s confrontational conduct at sea in 2022. China said such matters are addressed through “diplomatic channels” with the Philippines.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping hosted Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Beijing at the start of 2023, where they agreed in a joint statement to “appropriately manage differences.”
The Chinese blocked a Philippine vessel trying to resupply sailors in August.
Marcos’ government announced early this month it would allow the U.S. military to access four new bases on its territory. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin called the agreement “a big deal.”
After the agreement was announced, Filipino politics expert at Santa Clara University Kenneth Faulve-Montojo told Time the deal makes sense.
“By itself, the Philippines cannot stand up to China so it does need the assistance of the United States,” he said. “So from the U.S. and the Philippine perspective, it appears to be a win-win situation.”
The U.S. continues expressing strong support for an independent Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway territory. U.S. fighter shot down what Pentagon officials said was a spy balloon floating over U.S. airspace on Feb. 5. China claims U.S. balloons floated over their space at least ten times last year, which U.S. officials deny. The Chinese claimed their balloon was for meteorological purposes.