Philippine Coast Guard claims Chinese ship shot laser at its vessel.

(CNN) ⸻ The Philippine Coast Guard has accused a China Coast Guard ship of pointing a "military grade" laser at some of its crew, temporarily blinding them, and making dangerous maneuvers in contested waters of the South China Sea. The incident occurred on February 6 near Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, in the Spratly Islands chain. China's Foreign Ministry said the Philippine vessel "trespassed into the waters of Renai Reef without the permission of the Chinese side." The Philippines intentionally grounded a navy transport ship, the BRP Sierra Madre, on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to enforce Manila's claim to the area. In February 2022, Australia alleged a People's Liberation Army Navy warship "illuminated" an Australian P-8A aircraft over the Arafura Sea. China has denied Australian claims of being targeted by commercial lasers in the South China Sea, but US military vessels routinely operate in the waterway in accordance with international law and freedom of the high seas. The alleged incident on February 6 came just days after Manila announced plans to allow the US military access to more bases in the Philippines. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the move "escalated tension in the region and endangers regional peace and stability." Last year, the US State Department called on China to end its provocative actions and respect international law. Monday's Philippine Coast Guard statement said Chinese vessels had blocked a Philippine resupply mission to the Sierra Madre last August. The commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard said his service would not be deterred by any Chinese actions in what it claims as Philippine waters.