China is using its naval and air power as a basis for threats of skirmishes. Just recently it provoked a small skirmish with a Philippine transport ship.

For some decades, China has been building bases on islands in the South Chine Sea, which various countries claim. The Philippines replies in kind by building an artificial base on a reef. That set the scene for the skirmish.

I expect China calculates that it can attack Philippine ships with lasers. and the Philippines won't dare retaliate because China's navy is more powerful. The article does not mention that any one was permanently injured, but it creates a strategic quandary.