High tension between China and the Philippines: Manila accused a Chinese coast guard patrol ship of hitting a Philippine coast guard patrol boat with a military laser in the South China Sea and temporarily blinding some of its crew. According to Philippine authorities, the Chinese vessel also maneuvered dangerously to prevent the Philippine patrol boat from approaching Second Thomas Shoal, one of the islands that was occupied by Philippine forces last week. In 2022 alone, the Philippines filed nearly 200 diplomatic protests against China’s aggressive actions in disputed waters. China claims the South China Sea practically in its entirety, entering on a collision course with other states. A Philippine official said it was the first time China had used lasers, resulting in injuries to Filipino officials.
Photos showing the green laser beam are posted on the Philippine Coast Guard’s official Facebook page. The facts, disclosed in these hours, date back to February 6 near Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, in the chain of the Spratly Islands, known in China as the Nansha Islands. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended itself today by saying the Philippine ship “entered the waters of Renai Reef without permission from the Chinese side”. At the press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said, “The Chinese maritime police ship upheld China’s sovereignty and maritime order in accordance with Chinese domestic law and international law.” .
Source: IL Tempo
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
