On Monday, 6 February 2023, the Chinese Coast Guard vessel 5205 not only obstructed the Philippine coast guard boat "Malapascua" by manoeuvring dangerously, but also illuminated it with powerful laser beams. Some of the bridge crew were severely blinded in the process, requiring medical treatment. This was the first time that laser illumination had been used and is a first in the repertoire of Chinese units in the South China Sea. The "Malapascua" was on a voyage to Second Thomas Shoal, an underwater reef occupied by Philippine forces in the sector of the sea area illegally claimed by China.

In 2022 alone, the Philippines exchanged almost 200 diplomatic protest notes with China due to the aggressive behaviour of Chinese vessels in the disputed sea waters. Although the new Philippine president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, only met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing in January, Chinese state forces continue to violate conventions in the South China Sea. Understandably, this is driving the Philippines further into the arms of the U.S. Coast Guard, which is in favour of closer cooperation between the two services.

De-escalation looks different.