The Philippines has threatened international lawsuits against China for the action, which it says is another sign of the country's ongoing aggression in the area.

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines accused China on Tuesday of intimidating its fishermen at a disputed South China Sea shoal, and normalizing an “illegal presence,” after Beijing sent its largest coast guard vessel into Manila’s maritime zone.

A Philippine helicopter followed a China Coast Guard (CCG) monster ship lurking off the coast. Footage shows the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Islander helicopter issuing a radio challenge to CCG vessel 5901 sailing near the shores of Zambales province on3.