By bno - Taipei Bureau The Philippines has expressed growing concern over China’s deployment of its largest coast guard vessel within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), calling the move a provocative escalation.

A Philippine security official says China is “pushing us to the wall” with growing aggression in the disputed South China Sea and warned that “all options are on the table” for Manila’s response, including new international lawsuits.

In response to a media inquiry regarding the Philippine National Security Council spokesperson’s claims about China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels in the South China Sea, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday that CCG conducts patrols in relevant waters in accordance with the law,

MANILA (Reuters) -- The Philippines on Monday called on Beijing to desist from "escalatory actions" at a South China Sea shoal and said a protest has been lodged over the presence of Chinese coast guard, militia and navy in its exclusive economic zone.

The Philippines said Sunday it had deployed a coast guard ship to challenge Chinese patrol boats attempting to "alter the existing status quo" of the disputed South China Sea.

The Philippines on Monday (Jan 13) called on Beijing to desist from "escalatory actions" at a South China Sea shoal and said a protest has been lodged over the presence of Chinese coast guard, militia and navy in its exclusive economic zone.

The Chinese and Philippine Coast Guards exchanged radio challenges as a Chinese monster ship continued to lurk near the Southeast Asian country's coastline. Video shows crew of the Philippine ship BRP Gabriela Silang issuing a warning to the massive China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901 seen sailing 70 nautical miles off the Philippine province of Zambales on January 15.

Growing tensions between China and the Philippines in the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea are reaching a boiling point, Manila officials say.