The China Coast Guard (CCG) allegedly blocked the medical evacuation of a Philippine marine guarding a Philippine outpost in a contested part of the South China Sea.

Officials claimed the incident unfolded on May 19 at the Second Thomas Shoal, but was only made public by Philippine authorities on June 7.

The footage shows Chinese-flagged vessels blocking the Philippine boats before issuing a warning via speaker. Two larger CCG ships were also seen sailing close by.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Jay Tarriela said in a statement: 'During our attempt to bring the PCG High Speed Response Boat alongside the Philippine Navy boat at the rendezvous point, we were harassed by vessels and small boats from the China Coast Guard through blocking operations.

'Despite informing the Chinese Coast Guard via radio and public address system about the humanitarian nature of our mission for medical evacuation, they still engaged in dangerous maneuvers and even intentionally rammed the Navy boat while transporting the sick personnel.

'The barbaric and inhumane behavior displayed by the China Coast Guard has no place in our society. What should have been a simple medical evacuation operation was subjected to harassment, with the excessive deployment of two China Coast Guard vessels (21551 and 21555), two small boats, and two rubber boats. Their actions clearly demonstrated their intention to prevent the sick personnel from receiving the proper medical attention he urgently needed.'

He added that the sick Filipino marine arrived safely at the Buliluyan Port and was transported to a nearby hospital.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in response to the footage: 'If the Philippines notifies the Chinese side in advance, we can allow delivery of living necessities to the grounded warship or evacuation of personnel concerned.

'However, the Philippines should not use this as an excuse for delivering construction materials in an attempt to permanently occupy Ren'ai Jiao.'

Ren'ai Jiao is the Chinese name for the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

Expansionist 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.

The Communist rogue state - accused of genocide for its crimes against the Uyghur population - has been steadily increasing its influence in recent years through investment in developing countries.