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.

The Philippines accuses China of using its largest coast guard vessel to intimidate Filipino fishermen at Scarborough Shoal, heightening tensions in the disputed South China Sea. Manila's National Security Council urges China to withdraw the vessel,

A Philippine security official warned “all options are on the table” for Manila’s response to growing South China Sea aggression, including lawsuits.

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.

A Chinese coastguard ship patrolled Scarborough Shoal on Tuesday pushing the Philippines “to the wall,” and prompting Manila to consider international lawsuits.