China Coast Guard vessels reportedly blocked Philippine government ships from entering a disputed area of the South China Sea.

Footage shows the China Coast Guard ship appearing to shadow and chase away the BRP Datu Tamblot vessel and several boats from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on February 14.

The Philippine watercrafts were on a supply mission bringing aid to fishermen at the Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal - a flashpoint in the contested maritime region.

In a press conference on Saturday, February 17, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said four Chinese maritime militia participated in 'dangerous manoeuvres' to block BFAR ships from entering the area.

He said: 'We experienced of course dangerous maneuver and then shadowing not just from the PLA (People's Liberation Army) Navy but even from the Chinese Coast Guard and also the Chinese maritime militia. There is also participation from the Chinese maritime militia.'

Meanwhile, Chinese state media labelled the Philippines' supply mission as 'provocations' and 'attempts to illegally intrude into waters' near the Scarborough Shoal.

China currently lays claim over almost the entire South China Sea, one of the world's busiest sea lanes. But a United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016 deemed its claims groundless.