The Philippines has said it will not back down as Beijing attempts to block its fishermen from the shoal, with Beijing warning not to "cause trouble".

But in an act described as a "special operation" by Manila, the Philippines on Monday cut a 300m (980ft) floating barrier installed by the Chinese.

The Scarborough Shoal, the fishing spot about 200km (124 miles) off the Philippines coast and within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), has been a disputed site for decades.

China calls the area Huangyan Island - which is about 850km (528 miles) off the mainland - and says the Philippines is "intruding" into its waters.

Philippine Coastguard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela told CNN Philippines: "They might still return the floating barrier once again, they might still do shadowing and dangerous manoeuvres once again.

"We have shown the world the Filipino people will not back down," he added, insisting the nation is going to "consistently carry out whatever is necessary" to keep its presence.

Earlier, he claimed four Chinese vessels were in the area when a Philippine ship approached and were "not that aggressive". He said it was clear there were members of the media on board the ship.

China's coastguard had even removed parts of the barrier, he said.

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Beijing, meanwhile, "firmly upholds the sovereignty and maritime rights of Huangyan Island", foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said.

Relations between the two states have soured over the past year, as new president Ferdinand Marcos Jr - who authorised the barrier's cutting - looks to build ties with the US.

The president's moves towards the West have seen the US military given expanded access to Philippine bases - much to Beijing's anger.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague ruled in 2016 there was no basis under international law for China's claim to most of the South China Sea, a ruling not recognised by Beijing.

Nonetheless, control of the shoal is a sensitive issue for China, which has maintained a constant presence of coastguard ships and fishing vessels there for the past decade.

Manila even claims Beijing's coastguard has committed aggressive acts, like using a military-grade laser to deter resupply missions to troops stationed on a grounded warship.