A Chinese war ship was seen in Philippine waters as both countries clashed over parts of the South China Sea.

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessel was detected by a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) plane during a routine aerial patrol over a disputed shoal, on January 20.

Footage shows the war ship, and several China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, lurking near the Bajo de Masinloc area - a resource-rich reef around 140 miles off the Philippine province of Zambales.

Two CCG ships and another navy ship were also seen in the area, the PCG said.

PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said: 'The PLAN warship with hull number 553 issued multiple radio challenges to the PCG Islander aircraft. The PCG aircrew responded professionally, asserting that the MDA flight was fully compliant with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 Arbitral Award, and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act. These legal instruments affirm the Philippines' sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea.

'The crew further emphasised the Philippines' lawful authority to conduct MDA operations within its maritime zones and reminded the PLAN warship that China, as a signatory to UNCLOS, had no legal basis to interfere with legitimate Philippine activities.'

The PCG warned that CCG ships were moving increasingly closer to the coast of the main Philippine island Luzon, blocking Filipino fishermen from entering the Bajo de Masinloc area, where up to 800 vessels were detected in November 2025.

China last year approved a proposal to establish a 3,500-hectare nature reserve at the disputed shoal.

China's State Council claimed the move was an 'important measure for maintaining the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the natural ecosystem' in the flashpoint.

However, Philippine officials slammed it as Beijing's attempt to tighten control over the disputed feature.

Expansionist China currently lays claim to almost the South China Sea, 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.