Manila has reacted angrily to Chinese vessels being spotted in the South China Sea

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Also known as Pag-asa, the island is part of the Spratly archipelago and all claimed by China , Taiwan and Vietnam. The report was made by Manila’s national security advisor Hermogenes Esperon Junior, who said the “swarming” spots occurred between July 24th and 25th. Meanwhile, their Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin called for the filing of a protest against Beijing and is in Bangkok for an Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting.

China warning to the West - do not ‘sow distrust’ in South China Sea

Manila is a member of ASEAN while Beijing is in a Free Trade Area with the group.

As per Al Jazeera, Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana continued the harsh rebuttal of China: "They say we do not bully people around, they follow international law, but I said you are not, what you are telling is not what you are doing on the ground.”

Late on Monday, Chinese Ambassador in Manila, Zhao Jianhua gave a speech to mark the anniversary of the foundation of the People’s Liberation Army.

Mr Zhao said: "No matter how strong China may become, China will never seek hegemony or never establish spheres of influence.”

READ MORE: South China Sea: Philippines diplomat accuses Beijing of ‘bullying’