Philippines protests against China’s provocative laser-pointing at its coastguard, says it constitutes threat to its sovereignty

Manila: The Philippines today protested over the Chinese coastguard’s provocative laser-pointing at a Philippine coastguard vessel near a disputed reef in South China Sea terming it as an act of aggression and violation of sovereignty. The incident happened as the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) was on a mission to resupply troops at Second Thomas Shoal, known as Ayungin Shoal in the Philippines, on February 6 and came just after few weeks of the visit of Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr to China.

“These acts of aggression by China are disturbing and disappointing as it closely follows the state visit to China of Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr in January during which he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to manage maritime differences through diplomacy and dialogue,” Philippines foreign affairs spokeswoman Teresita Daza said in a statement.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Monday that the incident near the Second Thomas Shoal was an “intrusion without permission” by the Philippine coastguard and defended its engagement as “professional and restrained”.

The United States backed Manila describing China’s action as “provocative and unsafe” and added that an armed attack on the Philippines would involve



the US-Philippines mutual defence treaty.

“China directly threatens regional peace and stability, infringes upon freedom of navigation in the South China Sea as guaranteed under international law, and undermines the rules-based international order,” the US State department spokesperson Ned Price said.

The latest incident has raised tensions between Philippines and China. Wang said the two sides were “keeping communication through diplomatic channels on this issue” adding that Beijing hoped Manila would “avoid any action that may lead to the expansion of the dispute and complication of the situation”.

The Second Thomas Shoal is part of the contested Spratly Islands. The submerged coral atoll is claimed by Beijing, Taipei, Manila and Hanoi.

Observers said that Philippines agreeing to increase the number of military bases to be given to the US from five to nine has further aggravated the tensions between China and US in the region and might have irked China.

Official Philippines News Agency reported on Monday that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is open to the idea of a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with Japan if it does not increase "tensions" in the South China Sea.