The Philippines on Tuesday filed a diplomatic protest against China after the Chinese coast guard (CCG) vessel reportedly directed a military-grade laser light to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
The country, represented by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), filed the protest before the Chinese Embassy in Manila.
In a statement, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said the latest filed protest condemned CCG vessel 5205's "shadowing, harassment, dangerous maneuvers, directing of military-grade laser, and illegal radio challenges" against PCG ship BRP Malapascua last February 6.
She said China's "acts of aggression" was "disturbing" and "disappointing", noting that the incident comes after President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. conducted a state visit to China just last month.
Daza pointed out that the country has the "prerogative to conduct legitimate activities" within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.
"China does not have law enforcement rights and powers in and around Ayungin Shoal or any part of the Philippine EEZ," she added.
The DFA spokesperson said they are urging China to adhere to its obligation under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Award in the South China Sea Arbitration and to order the halt of its vessel's aggressive activities.
On February 6, the PCG accused CCG of directing a military-grade laser light against BRP Malapascua which caused "temporary blindness" to its troops while they were assisting a navy mission.
National Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez first called the act committed by the Chinese vessel "offensive" and "unsafe."
The United States (US), meanwhile, expressed its support to the country amid the latest dispute in the West Philippine Sea.
