Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 17) — China’s ambassador to the Philippines maintained on Friday that the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) did not use military grade laser against a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel in Ayungin Shoal.
\”The Chinese Coast Guard ship was not equipped with military grade laser. What they used was just the kind of laser speed detector and another one is a green light pointer,\” Ambassador Huang Xilian said in a press briefing during the launch of a new China Studies Center at the New Era University in Quezon City.
\”You can buy this online,\” the envoy added, while showing photos of the equipment used by the CCG.
The PCG earlier reported that the laser caused “temporary blindness” to Filipino crew members, which required medical attention.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) used the report as basis for lodging a diplomatic protest against Beijing this week.
Huang also said China had no intention to harm anyone.
\”No intention to harm Philippine side, we are friendly countries… I was very saddened to hear that, as I said those are not military grade lasers that can inflict damage on any personnel,\” the ambassador said.
The DFA has already filed dozens of diplomatic notes and protests against China since the start of the Marcos administration.
Huang said apart from the direct communication line created after the visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to China, the two governments are also exploring to expand it to other concerned agencies.
