The Philippine military's Western Command said on Friday 48 Chinese ships were seen in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in the Spratly Islands during an air patrol over the disputed South China Sea on Friday last week.

The command said the Chinese vessels appeared to be "loitering" near an oil- and gas-rich area and they were not engaged in fishing activities.

Manila has been complaining about Beijing's increased presence in the Spratlies, pointing out that more and more Chinese ships are visiting the archipelago.

On Wednesday, the Philippine Coast Guard said vessels of its Chinese counterpart came as close as 90 meters to its ships escorting supply boats to a military outpost in a reef controlled by Manila, also on Friday last week.

Newly appointed Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro had phone talks on Thursday with his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin.

Austin called Beijing's recent behavior in the South China Sea "coercive and risky" and reiterated America's "ironclad alliance commitment" with the Philippines.