Several countries have shown their support to the Philippines following the recent military-grade laser incident that involves the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) at the Ayungin Shoal.
In a statement posted on Twitter, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines expressed its"serious concern" over the Chinese vessel's "dangerous behavior" against the PH ship.
"All states should respect maritime order based on international law, in particular UNCLOS, and recall that the 2016 Arbitral Award is final and legally binding. We firmly oppose any action that increases tensions," it said.
Meanwhile, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu said that Australia is also concerned about the "unsafe and intimidatory actions" committed by the Chinese vessel.
"We continue to call for peace, stability, and respect for international law in the South China Sea, a vital international waterway," she added.
Canadian Ambassador in the Philippines David Hartman, on the other hand, assured that the country has Canada's "firm [and] unwavering support."
He called on China to abide by its obligation under the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration decision.
"Recent actions that disrupted the lawful operations of Philippine vessels off the coast of the Philippines are in violation of international law and contrary to the maintenance of regional peace and stability, and the rules-based international order," Hartman said.
Germany through German Ambassador to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel also expressed "serious concern" on the latest incident, and asserted that all states must comply with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as well as the 2016 Arbitral Award.
On February 6, the PCG accused CCG of directing a military-grade laser light against BRP Malapascua which caused "temporary blindness" to its troops while they were assisting a navy mission.
The United States first backed the country after the incident was reported.
