Lasers have targeted U.S. military aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean more than 20 times in recent months, according to multiple outlets.
All of the incidents reportedly occurred around the East China Sea, which is home to a number of small islands, including some claimed by both China and Japan. In February, the U.S. reaffirmed its pledge to defending Japan and the disputed islands.
None of the attacks have resulted in injury to pilots. But the use of lasers on aircraft is dangerous. It can temporarily blind pilots, putting crew and people on the ground at risk during takeoff and landing.
The incidents are reportedly similar to attacks that occurred on U.S. military aircraft in the African country of Djibouti earlier this year. But an official told the Wall Street Journal that unlike those attacks, these lasers aren't military grade — they're closer to the kind people use to play with cats.
The Journal reports officials don't necessarily think the Chinese military is behind the East China Sea incidents but that they also wouldn't rule it out. The Djibouti attacks appeared to originate from Chinese military bases, though China denies the events ever occurred.
Both the U.S. and China signed a U.N. treaty prohibiting the use of blinding laser weapons as a method of warfare.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
