A Chinese vessel struck the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship BRP Datu Tamblot with a “high-intensity laser” in the West Philippine Sea on December 2, an alarming development amid rising maritime tensions.

The incident occurred at around 8 pm near Hasa-Hasa (Half Moon) Shoal, located 111 kilometers (60 nautical miles) off Palawan. The BRP Datu Tamblot was en-route to Pag-asa (Thitu) Island when it was attacked by the Chinese vessel, according to a government report.

The Chinese ship fired the laser six times from the shoal’s east direction, with five-minute intervals between each burst. The BRP Datu Matanam Taradapit, another BFAR ship accompanying the Tamblot, captured the incident using a night-vision camera.

“The high-intensity laser was described as red, though it appeared violet in photos and painful to the eyes,” the report said, referencing the footage.

Both Philippine vessels were conducting routine maritime patrols within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea. Their mission at Hasa-Hasa Shoal involved providing fuel and food subsidies to fishermen before proceeding to Pag-asa Island for scientific research.

The BFAR denounced the incident, describing it as yet another example of Chinese maritime aggression.

“These videos show the reality on the ground that Chinese vessels harass, and at times, attack Philippine vessels conducting regular maritime patrols within the Philippine exclusive economic zone — contrary to the statement of the Chinese Embassy in Manila that the Philippine vessels are the ones conducting the dangerous maneuvering against the Chinese vessels,” the BFAR said in a statement.

BRP Datu Matanam Taradapit, using a night-vision camera, captured BRP Datu Tamblot being hit by a high-intensity laser from an unidentified Chinese vessel on December 2. Photo credit: BFAR

China’s aggression intensifies

Just two days after the laser incident, on December 4, the China Coast Guard sideswiped and fired water cannons at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

“In two assaults about 20 minutes apart, the Chinese vessel fired its water cannons at the Pagbuaya, targeting its navigation and communications equipment with the intention to ‘cause damage,’” the PCG reported.

Similar aggression was reported by other Philippine vessels, including the BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Cabra, in the same area. Chinese harassment of Philippine government ships was also recorded at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal during this period.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila claimed that Philippine vessels intentionally collided with their ships. However, video evidence released by the PCG contradicted this claim.

Philippines, U.S. and Japan align maritime strategies

Amid escalating tensions, the Philippines, Japan, and the United States are set to hold their first trilateral maritime dialogue in Tokyo on December 10.

The dialogue aims to address developments in the South China Sea and strengthen cooperative maritime measures. 

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirmed that the talks will focus on the situation in the region, including the South China Sea, discuss future initiatives, and exchange opinions widely to materialize cooperation in the marine field.

Key officials attending include Ryo Nakamura, director-general of MOFA’s Southeast Asian Affairs Division; Mira Rapp-Hooper, senior director for East Asia and Oceania at the U.S. National Security Council; and Maria Theresa Lazaro, undersecretary of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.

This meeting follows a Washington, D.C., summit earlier this year, where the three nations pledged to enhance security and economic cooperation in response to China’s assertive actions.

China and the Philippines continue to clash over overlapping claims in the South China Sea, with Beijing asserting dominance through its expansive “nine-dash line” claim. 

This contradicts the Philippines’ claims under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In 2016, an international arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s sweeping claims. Despite the ruling, China continues to deploy military assets, build artificial islands, and confront Philippine vessels.

The ongoing conflict over these vital waters, overlapping with the West Philippine Sea, poses significant risks to regional security and limits access to critical resources.

All photos credit: BFAR. A Chinese vessel fired high-intensity laser at BRP Datu Tamblot.