Officials from the Philippines and China have held talks on the disputed South China Sea. Manila expressed "serious concern" over Beijing's deployment of its largest coast guard ship in Philippine waters.

The 10th round of the regular talks was held Thursday in the southern Chinese city of Xiamen. The Philippine foreign ministry says its envoy told the Chinese side Beijing's maritime activities are inconsistent with international law.

Philippine Coast Guard officials say they have spotted a 165-meter Chinese vessel they dubbed the "monster ship" off the coast of Luzon island this month. They say other Chinese vessels have been navigating in the area.

China's foreign ministry says its representative condemned the Philippines' recent activities as infringements and provocations.

But both sides also emphasized the importance of dialogue. Philippine officials say they agreed to uphold a deal allowing the resupply of a Philippine outpost on a contested shoal in the Spratly Islands.