Beijing has repeatedly asserted its jurisdiction over Scarborough Shoal, which lies within Manila’s exclusive economic zone.

"Based on the monitoring of the Philippine Navy, Naval Forces Northern Luzon, and Naval Forces West covering Bajo de Masinloc, we did not detect any such vessel on January 1 in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc,

The world’s largest coast guard ship arrived at the disputed area as China’s navy holds drills to exert air control.

China’s “monster ship” was spotted “further east from Scarborough Shoal, according to West Philippine Sea monitor Ray Powell.