Philippine and Chinese coastguards have reported contradictory versions of an incident that occurred in the South China Sea around a disputed shoal. This is the latest dispute in a long-standing dispute between these two neighbours.

China's Coast Guard reported that four Philippine ships attempted to enter China territorial waters near the Scarborough Shoal.

Liu Dejun said that the Philippine ships "dangerously" approached "normal law enforcement vessels" of the China Coast Guard, prompting China to "exercise control" over its counterparts.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), however, said that Chinese coastguard and navy vessels had "aggressive" actions against a routine inspection by the PCG and the Fisheries Bureau.

PCG spokesperson: A Chinese coastguard ship fired a water-cannon at a PCG vessel and sidewiped it, while Philippine ships were subjected to "blocking and shadowing" by Chinese coastguard and navy vessels, as well as dangerous maneuvers.

This incident comes after a diplomatic spat that erupted in November, when China was accused of provoking a dispute with the United States.

The following are some examples of a baseline

Beijing has claimed "territorial water" around the shoal. Manila and Beijing sparred in the seas this year, especially at Scarborough Shoal. This is a prime fishing area.

Beijing claims nearly all of the South China Sea including the Scarborough Shoal. This has angered neighboring countries who dispute certain boundaries that they claim cut into their exclusive economies zones.

China has rejected a 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague, which said that Beijing's expansive demands were not based on international law. Reporting by Joe Cash and Neil Jerome Morales, Manila; Editing Sandra Maler

(source: Reuters)