China has laser cannon aimed at Taiwan. Possibly.

[Symmetry]

Does anyone else find it rather surreal that some weapons are ok in war, and others considered illegal?

Not when the use of a weapon makes life worse for everyone. Lasers can be easily adopted by both sides, and their only effect will be to fill hospitals with blind soldiers. Its just the same as not stationing your soldiers among civilians, not tortureing prisoners, ect. Just a normal prisoner's dilema, but with the opportunity for revenge.

[Advocate]

A land-based laser weapon? Are we even trying to make anything like that?

The US Army is actively testing a laser that shoots down artillery shells and missiles. Its range however is very short and even when ready for service it will be pretty damn useless as an offensive weapon.

If they're shooting down arty shells, won't the fact that the shells are going off in mid-air and showering the area with burning hot shrapnel play hell with the infantry?

[Vympel]

Better than letting their air-burst/impact to where they're intended, wouldn't you say? Casualties will be far lower- if any.