MANILA -- China's deployment of an amphibious assault ship earlier this month was meant to "disrupt the activities of civilian Filipino scientists who were conducting a scientific survey in Escoda Shoal," the Philippine Coast Guard said on Sunday.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, responded on Sunday to a report by the Global Times, which noted that China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has deployed an amphibious assault ship in the Spratly Islands.

"The objective of the PLA Navy's deployment of its amphibious assault ship on June 4, 2024, was to disrupt the activities of civilian Filipino scientists who were conducting a scientific survey in Escoda Shoal," Tarriela said on X, formerly Twitter. 

According to the Global Times report, China's Type 075 landing helicopter dock "was spotted near Zhubi Jiao on Friday." The deployment is purportedly in "preparation for any emergency response amid repeated provocations by the Philippines."

But Tarriela disputed the reason cited in the Global Times report, noting: "It is important to highlight the fact that the escalation of tension in the West Philippine Sea is a direct result of China's illegal presence, bullying tactics, and provocative actions."

"It is not accurate to claim that the Philippines is provoking China in any way," he stressed.

Beijing claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, despite claims from several Southeast Asian countries -- including the Philippines. It has dismissed an international ruling which it says has no legal basis. 

China deploys coast guard and other boats to patrol the waters and has turned several reefs into militarized artificial islands. Chinese and Philippine vessels have had a series of confrontations in disputed areas.

On Saturday, the Chinese coast guard implemented new rules under which it can detain supposed foreigners trespassing in the South China Sea. 

Filipino fisherfolk however continued to sail to the Bajo de Masinloc, also called Panatag and Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea on Saturday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines previously said that it will not be deterred in performing its mandate despite the CCG's new regulations. -- With a report from Agence France-Presse 

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