Australian Navy pilots in the South China Sea were forced back to base after being attacked by laser pointers.

It looks like China is responsible.

The South China Sea has a lot of strategic importance for China.

It’s  built artificial islands there, and it’s militarised them  with airstrips, radar towers and concrete buildings.

It’s also thought there could be a lot of oil and gas underneath the Sea.

So - it’s  an important place for China - economically and strategically

But  why would anyone think it was a good idea to shine laser beams into the eyes of Australian  pilots?

And what is China’s real intention in the South China Sea?

Featuring:

Andrew Greene, defence reporter ABC

Euan Graham, La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University