I'm sure in theory they could do this. But knowing what I do about China's ability to manufacture electronics, I see these being used to light a cigarette from 10' away.

Maybe 11' tops.

Aren't most electronics manufactured in China?

Surprisingly, most cheaply made ones, yes.

It has to do with the devices being designed, manufactured and assembled there. Lots of companies have poor business practice and less than quality manufacturing, coupled with piss poor assembly standards. Finding this out first hand dealing with the upcoming vape market.
Lot's of devices are designed and sold without any product testing.
Iphone is a good example. Parts manufactured from all over (china included), designed in america, Assembled in Taiwan. This is reason why its quality.

But these developments increase the risk that the weapons could more easily fall into the hands of criminals and terrorists who could exploit their destructive capacity, for instance by conducting arson attacks without being detected.

Wang, who was not involved in the Xian project, warned that allowing these weapons to proliferate could be a threat to all countries.

And its in China's hands? Whelp, we're boned.

I wanna see it shoot something.

Yeah something like a reinforced lantern kite.

Here's some Merican.

I built a Laser Telescope Blaster!!

I am extremely skeptical.

Pretty sure that's bullshit.

I guessing that it works as described on the basis of, in perfect conditions, if someone holds still for a entire two seconds without flinching from the heat, it can give a nasty burn and may ignite, dry, flammable clothing in a small spot.