By Bijan Razzaghi
US forces operating in the proximity of Chinese forces have come under multiple laser attacks. These incidents have taken place in the South China Sea and Djibouti. The lasers being used are the kind that can temporarily blind the pilot and create unsafe flying condition’s, and are not used for target designation. Tensions between the United States and China have been high as China has sought to increase its presence in the South China Sea and Taiwan Straits.
US Forces and Chinas PLA have had regular close encounters with Chinese aircraft flying close to US aircraft and Chinese warships coming close to US warships. None of the recent incidents of the past 5 years have turned violent.
The point of tension in the South China sea is the expansion of China’s military presence, as well as China’s maneuvers near Taiwan. While in Djibouti China’s military base is in close proximity to the United States Camp Lemonnier.
