U.S. backs Philippines against China's government in laser dispute

• The agreement came amid growing concern over China's increasing assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea and its aggression toward Taiwan.
• China pushed back on the countries' agreement, saying it would endanger the region's peace and stability.

Catch up quick: The Philippines alleges that the Chinese vessel "illuminated the green laser light twice" and "made dangerous maneuvers" to block their fleet from delivering supplies to another ship on Feb. 6.

• Beijng had previously been accused of using lasers to target U.S. operations, according to a CNN report.
• China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the coast guard conducted actions according to the law and that the Philippine ship had “trespassed", Time reports.

What they're saying: "The United States stands with our Philippine allies in upholding the rules-based international maritime order," U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement.

• An attack on Philippine armed forces would "invoke U.S. mutual defense commitments," the statement added.

Between the lines: This laser accusation comes as China is accused of using a spy balloon to collect information on U.S. intelligence.

• China claimed that the balloon was a civilian aircraft being used primarily for meteorological purposes.