The Philippines said this Tuesday that it is concerned about the Chinese coast guard patrols that are getting closer and closer to the country's coast.
Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea despite an international ruling that says its claim has no legal basis.
The Philippines said China's dispatch this month of a "giant" coast guard ship shows its "escalating aggression" in the disputed waters.
"It's getting closer to the coast of the Philippines... and that's alarming," Jonathan Malaya, spokesman for the National Security Council, told reporters on Tuesday.
According to Malaya, Chinese ships have come closer to the Philippine coast this year, and the latest move is a "intimidation tactic" to deter Filipino fishermen.
"We do not honor these intimidation tactics by retreating. We do not flinch or cower in the face of intimidation," said Malaya.
The 165-meter (540-foot) “giant ship” was last seen 143 kilometers (89 miles) west of Capones Island in Zambales province.
Jay Tarriela, spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard, said that "it is not really doing very aggressive actions, but its very presence is already alarming."
The Philippine Coast Guard sent 84-meter and 97-meter vessels to force the Chinese vessel "to move away from the coast of Zambales," Tarriela said.
Tarriela also said that Chinese patrol ships have come as close as 111 kilometers (69 miles) west of the main island of Luzon this year.
Meanwhile, Guo Jiakun, spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that their coast guard patrols are "in accordance with the law" and "nothing should be criticized."
"We once again warn the Philippine side to immediately stop all violations, provocations, and escalation of the issue, and stop all measures that destroy peace and tranquility in the South China Sea and worsen the situation," Guo said in a statement. a press conference.
