The Philippines has accused a giant Chinese coast guard vessel it dubbed as the “Monster” of maintaining an “illegal presence” in its exclusive economic zone as Beijing ramps up activities in the disputed South China Sea.

Observers interpret the presence of the 165-metre vessel near Scarborough Shoal as a warning to Manila about its military ties with the US.

The Philippines has deployed air and sea assets of its military and coast guard in its exclusive economic zone to monitor China's largest coast guard vessel, calling the ship's presence an act of Chinese "intimidation,

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stressed Tuesday that it will not be deterred in performing its mandate of patrolling our seas and air despite the presence of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901 within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The Philippines mobilised its air and sea assets in its economic exclusive zone after accusing China of intimidation with the deployment of a “monster” Chinese coast guard vessel. Manila raised an alarm over China’s deployment of the 12,

The Philippines has deployed air and sea assets of its military and coast guard in its exclusive economic zone to monitor China's largest coast guard vessel, calling the ship's presence an act of Chinese ‘intimidation,

Malacaang expresses "grave concern" over the presence of China's so-called monster ship off the coast of Zambales, adding that the Philippines is actively challenging its presence.

Footage appears to show a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel reportedly trespassing into waters near a Philippine island. The CCG vessel was spotted sailing some 54 miles off the Capones Island in Zambales province on Saturday (4 January).