Washington has reportedly issued a formal complaint with China over what the US Federal Aviation Administration has described as “unauthorized laser activity,” which allegedly injured two US airmen.
According to reporting from Paul Mcleary at Breaking Defense, US officials are confident that China is responsible for the lasers, which they say are coming from the direction of a Chinese military installation in the African nation of Djibouti. The base in Djibouti is China’s first such overseas military facility and is situated near a US base.
“It’s enough that we’re concerned that we demarched them, and asked them to investigate. We’re confident,” Pentagon spokesperson Dana White told reporters on Thursday. She also said that about 10 laser-related incidents have taken place within the last several weeks.
“This sends a signal to Africa and globally that China has advanced weapons and is prepared to use them,” Dean Cheng, an expert on the Chinese military at the Heritage Foundation, told Mcleary. “The lack of an American response will be exploited as a warning that not even America dares stand up to China–so neither should you.”
Pentagon spokesperson Major Sheryll Klinkel said that in one recent incident two pilots landing a C-130 at the US base in Djibouti suffered minor injuries. Klinkel described the laser as “military grade.”
Mcleary noted that China is a signatory to the 1995 Protocol on Blinding Laser Weapons, under which the use of blinding weapons against humans is prohibited. China has denied allegations of Chinese involvement in the recent laser activity.
The development comes amid news that China has for the first time deployed missile systems to the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, prompting a response from the White House.
“We’ve raised concerns directly with the Chinese about this,” White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said on Thursday regarding the missile deployment. “There will be near-term and long-term consequences,” she added.
Nana Tabiri King did my comment said I am supporting china? I am merely saying that their excuse against china but I never said it was a bad excuse. Besides, we all know war is the US’ business.. I don’t mind if they decided to bomb Xi’s house for being a region bully or whatever excuse. Because Xi’s government disrespects their neighbors and they deserve to be removed from power..
Davion Knight, stop being a racist because of my surname and learn to read my commentS.. I never said I am in china’s side.. and I don’t care if Xi’s communist government burn to ground. I gladly welcome it. Because of them slowly invading and illegaly occupying my country’s Exclusive Economic Zone which unfortunately the current president doesn’t care about..
Better a war with China it seems
Nonsense
Davion Knight since when did sharing historical records equal to hate?
Please dont hate the USA just because your last name is from mohammedans.
Paul Chan If the USA really wanted war with China. They will start with their economy by putting embargos. They could have done it years ago when china is still a sleeping dragon. Please dont side with China just because your last name is Chan.
Here’s a graphic history of countless American Imperialism. Still believe that US is the good guy eh? Have a good read:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1915492115152278&id=100000745232689
You really are a Foo…l. The US is building a case at the moment.
And who believes a word US officials say?
Act of terrorism! USA is uncomfortable with Chinese presence in Djibouti & will likely use incident as excuse to pound the compound of the Chinese installation.
Remember the ncident whereby USA destroyed the Yugoslavia embassy of the Chinese many years ago. The excuse is the use of a “100 years old” map which does not show the feature. Laughable act of a bully.
Time does not change this dastardly behaviour. In fact it is getting worse. Hitting weak victims everywhere. A day will come when USA face the victimised “too big to swallow”!