China Fires Military Laser at Philippine Coast Guard Vessel

China Coast Guard vessel CCG 5205 directed a military-grade green laser at BRP Malapascua during a resupply mission 10 nautical miles from Second Thomas Shoal, causing temporary blindness in crew members. President Marcos summoned the Chinese Ambassador on February 14. The US State Department called the laser use 'provocative and unsafe.' China denied using a 'military-grade' laser but did not deny the incident.