The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it shadowed two Chinese vessels at a disputed reef in the South China Sea.

The BRP Cabra was on patrol when it spotted the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ships reportedly lurking near the Bajo de Masinloc atoll on November 23.

Footage shows PCG crew warning the Chinese vessels to depart as they 'do not possess any legal authority to patrol within the Philippines Exclusive Economic Zone.'

In a statement, PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said: 'The PCG issued a firm radio challenge, ordering the Chinese ship to depart Philippine waters immediately… The PCG stressed that it will continue routine and legitimate patrols to protect national sovereignty and prevent the normalization of unlawful Chinese presence.'

Just two days earlier, at least five Chinese ships and two aircraft were seen patrolling the same area, the PCG said.

Beijing had recently approved the creation of a 'nature reserve' in Bajo de Masinloc - a move slammed by the Philippine officials who said it was a 'pretext towards eventual occupation'.

Expansionist China currently lays claim over almost the entire region, which is 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.