South China Sea: Chinese coastguard ship accused of shining ‘laser light’ at Philippine boat
- The incident occurred when the Philippine coastguard vessel was supporting a ‘rotation and resupply mission’ for the troops stationed on Second Thomas Shoal
- The Chinese ship also made ‘dangerous manoeuvres’ by coming within about 140m of the Philippine boat
The incident happened on February 6 nearly 20km from Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, where Philippine marines are stationed, the coastguard said in a statement.
The Philippine patrol boat was supporting a “rotation and resupply mission” last week for the troops, who live in a derelict navy ship grounded on the shoal to assert Manila’s territorial claims.
The Chinese coastguard vessel shone a “military-grade” green laser light twice at the Philippine ship, “causing temporary blindness to her crew at the bridge”, the statement said.
The Chinese vessel also made “dangerous manoeuvres” by coming within about 140m of the Philippine boat.
“The deliberate blocking of the Philippine government ships to deliver food and supplies to our military personnel … is a blatant disregard for, and a clear violation of, Philippine sovereign rights in this part of the West Philippine Sea,” the Philippine coastguard said.
Manila refers to waters immediately to its west as the West Philippine Sea.
Despite the interference, the resupply and rotation of troops at Second Thomas Shoal were successful, Philippine coastguard spokesman Armando Balilo said.
Privately owned vessels are normally used to carry supplies, with the coastguard accompanying them. Philippine military spokesman Medel Aguilar called on Beijing to “restrain its forces so that it does not commit any provocative act that will endanger the lives of people”.
The Chinese embassy in Manila did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
Chinese coastguard and maritime militia vessels also blockaded the Philippines-garrisoned shoal in August to stop government ships from reaching the troops, the coastguard said.
It is not known if the hotline was used in the latest incident.
The Washington-Manila deal earlier this month brings to nine the total number of Philippine bases accessible to US forces.
It comes as the long-time allies seek to counter China’s military rise in the region.
Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei also have overlapping claims to parts of the South China Sea.