Washington, May 4 (TNS): The US has issued a formal complaint to the Chinese government over the use of high-grade lasers near the military base in Djibouti that were directed at aircraft and resulted in minor injuries to two American pilots, media quoting the Pentagon reported on Friday.
Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said that the US is confident that Chinese nationals are responsible for the use of the lasers, which targeted aircraft on several occasions in the last few weeks. White said the incidents represent a serious threat to US airmen, and that the US has asked China to investigate the incidents.
She estimated there have been fewer than 10 laser incidents in recent weeks, and the Pentagon sought the formal complaint because of the injuries and the growing number of instances the problem happened.
Marine Lt Col Chris Logan, a Pentagon spokesman, said that reports from pilots indicate that on three occasions the lasers were military grade and came from the Chinese base nearby.
In a brief statement, China’s defence ministry said the US accusations were false.
“We have already refuted the untrue criticisms via official channels. The Chinese side consistently strictly abides by international law and laws of the local country, and is committed to protecting regional security and stability.”
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the government had conducted “serious checks” and told the US side the accusations were groundless.
Djibouti is strategically located at the southern entrance to the Red Sea on the route to the Suez Canal.
Press Release
