China and the Philippines are trading accusations following the latest run-in in the disputed South China Sea.

The Philippines' National Security Council says several of its supply and patrol ships were confronted by Chinese Coast Guard vessels on Tuesday.

The council says in one instance, a Chinese Coast Guard ship collided with a Philippine supply boat before firing water cannons. Four Filipino crew members suffered minor injuries. The Philippine boats were carrying troops and goods to a military post on Second Thomas Shoal.

Manila says a Chinese Coast Guard vessel also collided with one of its patrol ships.

For its part, the Chinese Coast Guard says the Philippine vessels were intruding in China's waters and deliberately collided with the Chinese ships.

The Philippines and China have had a series of clashes in the contested waters. Tuesday's incident followed a collision between ships from the two sides and the firing of water cannons in December.