A Chinese military helicopter reportedly harassed Filipino fishermen sailing in a disputed part of the South China Sea.

Footage shows the People's Liberation Army navy helicopter hovering over Filipino boats in Rozul Reef, some 125 nautical miles off the Philippine island of Palawan, on November 28.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Cape Engano were deployed to ensure the safety of the fishermen.

PCG spokesman Jay Tarriela said in a statement: 'This deployment aims to provide evidence of the active presence of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea. Despite the potential harassment from the Chinese Coast Guard, their confidence in fishing in the West Philippine Sea has significantly increased due to the firm stance and commitment of the President not to surrender a square inch of our territory to any foreign power.'

Philippine officials have previously blamed China for allegedly destroying some 1,800 hectares of corals in Rozul Reef to build an artificial island.

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.