Filipino fishermen kept their distance today as Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ships patrolled disputed waters in the South China Sea.

Footage shows the trawlers on their motor fishing boat skirting around the intimidating vessels looming in the contested Scarborough Shoal.

Speaking to local media, the fishermen said they had been using the atoll to take shelter from storms, but the Chinese ships blocking entry have become a familiar sight to them.

The video emerged as the Philippine Coast Guard discovered a 300-metre 'floating barrier' installed by the CCG in the area.

The PCG said it has dismantled the line of ball buoys under orders from Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, son of shoe-lover and illegal art hoarder Imelda Marcos, and fraudster former president Ferdinand Marcos.

It said in a statement: 'The barrier posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law. It also hinders the conduct of fishing and livelihood activities of Filipino fisherfolk.'

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.