Manila files protest over 'escalatory actions' by Beijing in S. China Sea

The Philippines on Jan 13 called on Beijing to desist from "escalatory actions" at a South China Sea shoal, and said a protest has been lodged over the presence of the Chinese coast guard, militia and navy in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

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The protest stems from the presence of two coast guard vessels on Jan 5 and 10 in and around the disputed Scarborough Shoal, one of which was a 165m-long boat referred to by the Philippines as "the monster".

It said a Chinese navy helicopter was also deployed in the area.

"The escalatory actions of these Chinese vessels and aircraft disregard Philippine and international laws," said the Philippines' National Maritime Council, an inter-agency group tasked with upholding the country's interests at sea.

"China should direct its vessels to desist from conducting illegal actions that violate the Philippines' sovereign rights in its EEZ," it said in a statement.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a news conference that the country's coast guard "patrol and law enforcement activities" were "reasonable, lawful and beyond reproach".

"China urges the Philippine side to cease its malicious hype," Mr Guo said.

China says Scarborough Shoal is its territory and has accused the Philippines of trespassing.