Japan, Australia express serious concern over China Coast Guard laser incident
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Loading... - Diwa Natahalie
- 14 Feb 2023
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Japan and Australia on Tuesday expressed serious concern on a Chinese Coast Guard ship aiming a military-grade laser at a Philippine Coast Guard vessel.
The PCG earlier bared that a Chinese vessel with bow number 5205 was seen approximately 4 nautical miles away from the Philippines' BRP Malapascua, which was going to the Ayungin Shoal in the South China Sea.
The Chinese ship shone a green laser light twice toward the BRP Malapascua, causing temporary blindness to its crew.
Japan's Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko said the Chinese ship's action was "dangerous behavior".
"All states should respect maritime order based on international law, in particular UNCLOS, and recall that 2016 Arbitral Award is final and legally binding. We firmly oppose any action that increase tensions," he said in a tweet.
We express serious concerns about dangerous behavior against PH vessels. All states should respect maritime order based on international law, in particular UNCLOS, and recall that 2016 Arbitral Award is final and legally binding. We firmly oppose any action that increase tensions
— Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) February 14, 2023
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu, meanwhile, said the Chinese vessel's move was "unsafe and intimidatory directed against the Philippines."
"We continue to call for peace, stability and respect for international law in the South China Sea, a vital international waterway," she said in a tweet. Read More…
