Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 14) — At least three powerhouse nations have called out China for aiming a military grade laser at a Philippine vessel near Ayungin Shoal, warning how the development could be “dangerous” and threaten peace in the region.
In a statement on Tuesday, the US State Department expressed its support for Manila, and labeled Beijing’s recent action as “provocative.”
The United States pointed out that the use of laser resulted in the temporary blindness of crew members of the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) BRP Malapascua, and interfered with the Philippines’ lawful operations in and around Ayungin Shoal — which is part of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.
Lasers are classified as “direct energy weapons,” as these have the potential to cause disproportionate human injury, maritime expert Jay Batongbacal earlier explained.
“The PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) conduct was provocative and unsafe,” the US said.
“More broadly, the PRC’s dangerous operational behavior directly threatens regional peace and stability, infringes upon freedom of navigation in the South China Sea as guaranteed under international law, and undermines the rules-based international order,” it added.
According to the PCG, the incident occurred on Feb. 6 while BRP Malapascua was on its way to deliver supplies to military personnel onboard the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
READ: China accuses PH of ‘intruding’ into its waters after laser-pointing incident
The country’s defense ally also reaffirmed that an armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the West Philippine Sea would invoke its commitments under its mutual defense treaty with Manila.
Australia also expressed concern over what it called “unsafe and intimidatory actions” against the Philippines.
“We continue to call for peace, stability and respect for international law in the South China Sea, a vital international waterway,” Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu wrote in a tweet.
The Japanese Embassy in Manila likewise slammed the “dangerous behavior” against Filipino ships, and reiterated its call for states to respect international law.
“Recall that 2016 arbitral award is final and legally binding,” it said. “We firmly oppose any action that increase tensions.”
The 2016 arbitral ruling in The Hague invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea, and recognized the Philippines’ rights within its EEZ. Beijing, however, continues to ignore the ruling and insists that Ayungin Shoal is part of its territory.
