reason to invoke the Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States. The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said it would formulate new rules and procedures on how to deal with another potential laser-pointing and other encounters which it considers as harassment from China in the South China Sea. China China maintains defended its actions in the Second Thomas Shoal. It said it was only acting upon what they view as an "intrusion" of the Philippines side to its territory and insist that it was professional and restrained in dealing the issue. It says that the Philippine Coast Guard's account of the incident did "not reflect the truth". It also added that the light used was from a hand-held laser speed detector and hand-held greenlight pointer used to "measure the distance and speed of the Philippine vessel and signal directions to ensure navigation safety" and does not inflict damage on anything or anyone. The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs in response told China to engage the Philippines in "truth and goodwill" standing by the account of the Philippine Coast Guard on what happened saying that there is "lack of congruence" between China's statements and what it believes to be the "actual events in the seas". Ambassador Huang on February 7, 2023 would cite the "lack of communication" between his country and the Philippines over the incident and pushed for stronger dialogue mechanisms between the two countries to avoid similar incidents in the future. Other countries The United States Department of State issued a statement in support of the Philippines following the Second Thomas Shoal incident calling China's use of laser as "provocative and unsafe". Australia, Japan, and Germany likewise expressed concern over the incident. See also Scarborough Shoal standoff Whitsun Reef incident References 2023 in the Philippines 2023 in China Diplomatic incidents Spratly Islands Territorial disputes of the Philippines Territorial disputes of China Presidency of Bongbong Marcos China–Philippines relations Laser safety and standards