Philippines says China used "military-grade" laser against boat

The Philippines has accused China of shining a "military grade" laser light to scuttle a resupply mission to a disputed shoal in the South China Sea.

The laser glare temporarily blinded the crew of the Filipino coast guard boat, forcing it to retreat.

The vessel was headed to a marooned navy vessel that Manila has used for years to claim the Second Thomas Shoal.

China has in the past used water cannon and sirens to enforce its claim to much of the South China Sea.

The incident, on 6 January, was only reported publicly on Monday. It was a "clear violation of Philippine sovereign rights" in waters that Manila refers to as the West Philippine Sea, the Filipino coastguard said in a statement.

Aside from flashing laser light twice, the Chinese ship also made "dangerous manoeuvres" about 150 yards (137m) from the Filipino ship's starboard side, authorities said.