This is the tense moment a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel challenged a Chinese ship lurking in a disputed area of the South China Sea.

Footage shows Filipino crew confronting the Chinese ship after it was spotted just 39 nautical miles off the coast of Pangasinan province.

Authorities said the BRP Teresa Magbanua, the largest ship in the PCG's arsenal, was immediately deployed to assert the country's territorial rights.

PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said in a statement: 'Upon arrival at the scene, the BRP Teresa Magbanua engaged CCG-5303 via radio communication, challenging its presence and asserting that the vessel lacked legal authority to operate within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Philippines. The Chinese Coast Guard responded by claiming that the PCG had entered waters under China's jurisdiction, asserting its sovereignty over Huangyan Island and its adjacent waters.'

Tensions further rose as another Chinese vessel was later seen approaching the vicinity.

Tarriela added: 'Despite this, the BRP Teresa Magbanua remains steadfast in its mission, demonstrating unwavering commitment to protecting the Philippines' maritime rights.'

The Philippines is currently embroiled in a territorial dispute with China over parts of the South China Sea.

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.