CCG 5901 had already left the coastline off the Philippine province of Zambales, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

The Philippines has accused a giant Chinese coast guard vessel it dubbed as the “Monster” of maintaining an “illegal presence” in its exclusive economic zone as Beijing ramps up activities in the disputed South China Sea.

The Philippines has deployed air and sea assets of its military and coast guard in its exclusive economic zone to monitor China's largest coast guard vessel, calling the ship's presence an act of Chinese "intimidation,

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

Observers interpret the presence of the 165-metre vessel near Scarborough Shoal as a warning to Manila about its military ties with the US.

Footage appears to show a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel reportedly trespassing into waters near a Philippine island. The CCG vessel was spotted sailing some 54 miles off the Capones Island in Zambales province on Saturday (4 January).

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stressed Tuesday that it will not be deterred in performing its mandate of patrolling our seas and air despite the presence of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901 within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).