The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it has removed a 'hazardous' floating barrier installed by the Chinese Coast Guard in a contested atoll in the South China Sea.

The PCG removed the line of ball buoys at the disputed Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc (BDM), some 200 kilometres off the Philippine coast on September 25, calling it a clear violation of international law.

Footage shows a crew member plunging underwater to cut off a section of the 300-metre barrier.

In a statement, PCG spokesperson CG Commodore Jay Tarriela said: '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 in BDM, which is an integral part of the Philippine national territory.

'The 2016 Arbitral Award has affirmed that BDM is the traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen. Thus, any obstruction hindering the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk in the shoal violates international law. It also infringes on the Philippines' sovereignty over BDM.'

The Philippine Coast Guard said it had discovered the barrier during routine patrols on September 20.

Local fishermen have said that the Chinese Coast Guard installs barriers in the area when it sees Filipino fishermen swarming near the atoll.

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.