This is the dramatic moment the China Coast Guard (CCG) fired a water cannon at a Filipino ship in the South China Sea.

Footage shows the Chinese vessel firing a powerful water jet as it warned a civilian Filipino (PCG) ship sailing into the contested Panatag Shoal on June 20.

The Philippine Coast Guard said the BRP Datu Taradapit, a vessel of the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), was delivering supplies to fishermen in the area when it was blocked by the CCG and briefly blasted by the water cannon on its port quarter.

The incident occurred some 110 miles off the coastline of Zambales in the Philippines.

In a statement, PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said: 'Throughout the operation, six China Coast Guard vessels, two PLA Navy warships, and multiple Chinese maritime militia vessels were monitored, all of which aimed to obstruct BFAR's efforts to provide support and subsidies to Filipino fishermen.

'It is crucial to emphasize that the operations conducted by BFAR vessels are within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines. Filipino fishermen have sovereign rights to exploit resources in these waters, particularly for fishing. The presence of BFAR and PCG vessels is fully aligned with the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award.'

Another CCG ship reportedly fired a water cannon at the Philippines' BRP Datu Tamblot at the Panatag Shoal 30 minutes later, 'but the attack missed its mark.'

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.