The Philippine Coast Guard says a Chinese government ship came within 1 meter of one of its vessels in the South China Sea, where the countries have overlapping claims. It says China violated international rules on preventing collisions.

Philippine officials said on Friday that the incident took place near the Spratly Islands on Wednesday. They said two Philippine patrol ships were blocked by four Chinese Coast Guard vessels and five boats thought to be carrying Chinese militiamen.

The officials said one Chinese Coast Guard vessel crossed in front of one of the Philippine ships and got as close as 1 meter away, the closest ever for such an incident.

They noted that the Philippine boat's crew had to reverse the engine to avoid a collision.

The Philippine ships were escorting boats bringing supplies to a military outpost at the Second Thomas Shoal.

The Philippine side said the near-collision took place in its exclusive economic zone, and denounced China for the incident, saying it violated international law, especially regulations for preventing collisions at sea.