Chinese ships today blasted a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel in the latest flashpoint at a contested shoal in the South China Sea.

China Coast Guard vessel 3302 fired a water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, which was on a routine patrol with civilian ships in the Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, around 120 nautical miles west of the Philippine island Palawan on December 4 morning.

Video shows the Chinese ship aiming the high-pressure stream at the PCG vessel.

In a statement, PCG spokesman Jay Tarriela said: 'At around 6:30 am, CCG 3302 fired a water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya (MMOV 3003), aiming directly at the vessel's navigational antennas while it was located 16 nautical miles south of Bajo de Masinloc. Following this hostile action, CCG 3302 intentionally sideswiped the BRP Datu Pagbuaya on its starboard side. Shortly thereafter, at 6:55 AM, CCG 3302 launched a second water cannon attack on the same vessel.'

Despite the alleged harassment, the PCG said it was 'committed to protecting the rights and safety of our fishermen within our maritime jurisdiction. We will continue to be vigilant in safeguarding our national interests in the West Philippine Sea'.

Just a week earlier, a Chinese army helicopter reportedly harassed Filipino fishermen in Rozul Reef in the disputed waters.

The latest encounter comes as China rival the US was developing an army base in the Philippines under a mutual defense treaty.

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.