Philippines Officially Protests China Ship's 'Laser Projection' as a Security Threat

Philippine Foreign Ministry Statement "Threats to Sovereignty and Security"

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] The Philippine government has officially protested against Chinese vessels targeting its ships with lasers in the South China Sea.

The South China Sea is a region where surrounding countries including China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam are in conflict over territorial claims.

According to foreign media on the 14th, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying, "It is disappointing that such an aggressive act occurred shortly after President Ferdinand Marcos visited China last month and agreed with President Xi Jinping to resolve maritime conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy."

It added, "Such actions threaten sovereignty and security," and stated, "The Philippines has priority to conduct lawful activities within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)."

Earlier, the Philippine Coast Guard released a statement the previous day, reporting that on the 6th, a Chinese vessel targeted a Philippine ship with lasers while it was supporting food and military supplies operations in the Second Thomas Shoal area of the South China Sea.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately rebutted, saying, "We responded according to the law in our waters and demand that the Philippines refrain from such actions in the future."

The Second Thomas Shoal area, located within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), hosts some Philippine military personnel and warships.