China on Wednesday denied the allegation that the Chinese coast guard (CCG) vessel directed a military-grade laser to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) at Ayungin Shoal last February 6.
"We need to highlight the fact that the China Coast Guard ship did not direct lasers at the Philippine crew, and the hand-held equipment does not inflict damage on anything or anyone on the vessel," China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in a press conference.
He claimed that the allegation "does not reflect the truth."
Wenbin maintained that it was the PCG ship who "intruded into the waters of the Ren'ai Reef without Chinese permission."
The Ren'ai Reef is part of China's Nansha Islands or what the Philippines refers to as the Spratly Islands.
The Chinese Foreign spokesperson said due to the PH ship's intrusion, the CCG vessel warned them to leave the area.
During that process, he said that the CCG vessel used the hand-held greenlight laser to measure PH ship's distance and speed in order to ensure its navigation safety as they leave.
"We stand ready to work with the Philippine side to fully deliver on the important common understandings reached between the two presidents, continue to properly handle maritime issues through friendly consultation and jointly uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea," Wenbin said.
China's denial comes after Marcos summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to express "serious concern" over the recent incident.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has already filed a diplomatic protest against China.
On February 6, the PCG accused CCG for directing a military-grade laser light against BRP Malapascua which caused "temporary blindness" to its troops.
