US criticises China's laser lights use against Philippines Coast Guard ship

The Philippine Coast Guard has accused a Chinese vessel of shining a "military-grade laser light" at one of its boats. - AP

WASHINGTON (AFP): The United States on Monday (Feb 13) criticised China's reported use of military-grade laser light against a Philippine coast guard vessel in the disputed South China Sea last week, which left the ship's crew temporarily blinded.

State Department Ned Price said the Chinese coastguard's "conduct was provocative and unsafe, resulting in the temporary blindness of the crew members."