The Philippines has accused China of trying to prevent its coastguard from resupplying a contingent deployed at an atoll in the disputed South China Sea by directing a “military-grade laser light” at the ship and carrying out “dangerous” manoeuvres.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the crew of its ship, the Malapascua, encountered the Chinese coastguard vessel on February 6 as they were about 10 nautical miles (18.5km) from Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, during a routine resupply trip to sailors stationed there.
