US ‘stands with Philippines’ over accusations of China firing ‘blinding’ military-grade laser

Manila says ‘acts of aggression by China are disturbing and disappointing’

The US has criticised China’s alleged laser attack on a Philippine coast guard ship in the South China Sea and warned it would defend its ally.

“The United States stands with our Philippine allies,” said US state department spokesperson Ned Price, after Manila accused a Chinese coast guard vessel of using a “military-grade laser” on a Filipino supply ship, that temporarily blinded its crew members in the disputed waters.

Manila has alleged that the Chinese vessel on 6 February manoeuvered “dangerously” close, about 137m, to block the Philippine coast guard’s BRP Malapascua patrol vessel from approaching the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas shoal.