The Philippine Navy on Friday said it held drills near a disputed South China Sea shoal, where a large Chinese vessel was spotted patrolling.

The Philippines yesterday again accused China of intimidating its fishermen at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea and normalizing its “illegal presence” within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

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.

Beijing has repeatedly asserted its jurisdiction over Scarborough Shoal, which lies within Manila’s exclusive economic zone.

The Philippines accuses China of using its largest coast guard vessel to intimidate Filipino fishermen at Scarborough Shoal, heightening tensions in the disputed South China Sea. Manila's National Security Council urges China to withdraw the vessel,

MANILA : The Philippine navy said today its ships were holding drills near a contested shoal in the South China Sea, a day after Manila and Beijing agreed to seek common ground and find ways to cooperate despite ongoing disputes.

A massive Chinese "monster" ship has come extremely close to the coast of the Philippines, alarming Manila and increasing tension in the South China Sea.

The Philippines has urged China to halt its aggressive maneuvers in the South China Sea, specifically near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, after lodging a protest over Chinese maritime activities within its exclusive economic zone.

A Chinese coastguard ship patrolled Scarborough Shoal on Tuesday pushing the Philippines “to the wall,” and prompting Manila to consider international lawsuits.