Tensions are rising in the South China Sea. This comes after the Philippines removed a floating barrier that China installed near a disputed shoal.

A Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson met with reporters to discuss the 'special operation' the country carried out on Monday. He said that the action was taken at the behest of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The coast guard says one of its team members jumped into the water near the Scarborough Shoal, cut the rope on the blockade and removed its anchor. The team had approached the area in a small wooden boat. The members pretended to be ordinary fishermen. The spokesperson indicated that the operation had to be conducted secretly, as China usually dispatches vessels to patrol the area.

China's Foreign Ministry reacted sharply to the move on Tuesday. Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that China is determined to protect its sovereignty and maritime interests. He urged the Philippine side to refrain from causing trouble.

The disputed shoal has been effectively controlled by China since 2012. It is located inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The shoal is surrounded by a rich fishing ground.

The coast guard mentioned this was the first time that it was able to confirm that China had used a barrier to block the lagoon. But it said local fishermen claim that China has employed floating obstacles repeatedly.

The coast guard noted that it wants Filipinos to be able to fish in the shoal again, so it plans to continue to monitor the area.