Philippines accuses China of aiming ‘military-grade’ laser at coast guard vessel in South China Sea

China Coast Guard Vessel No. 5205 is shown directing a laser beam at BRP Malapascua in this photo taken on Feb 6. - PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD/FACEBOOK

MANILA (Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network): The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has accused a Chinese coast guard ship of directing a “military-grade” laser at one of its vessels, putting the Filipino crew in danger.

The PCG vessel was supporting a rotation and resupply mission of the Philippine Navy in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea - a name given by Manila to disputed territories it claims in the South China Sea - on Feb 6. China claims almost all of the South China Sea.