Maritime authorities in the Philippines say China has placed a floating barrier in their country's waters.

Philippine coast guard officials say the barrier was found on Thursday near Scarborough Shoal. They say fishing boats from their country could not pass. They are accusing multiple Chinese vessels of surrounding a ship belonging to the Philippine government.

Scarborough Shoal lies within Manila's exclusive economic zone, but has effectively been under Beijing's control since 2012.

An international arbitration tribunal ruled in 2016 China had infringed on the fishing rights of people in the Philippines.

Still, Beijing is pointing the finger right back. A foreign ministry spokesperson on Monday accused Manila of infringing upon China's sovereignty. She said her government will take all necessary measures to protect its maritime interests.

Philippine authorities removed another barrier near Scarborough Shoal last September.