A fresh dispute has flared up between the Philippines and China over the contested South China Sea. The Philippine government has complained about a floating barrier China has put in an area of the waters to keep Philippine fishing boats out. Beijing says it acted lawfully.

Video released by the Philippine Coast Guard shows rubber boats rolling out the barrier. The coast guard says it's about 300 meters long and has blocked over 50 Philippine fishing boats from accessing Scarborough Shoal, a rich fishing ground inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

The Philippine National Security Council condemned China in a statement on Monday, saying it will take "all appropriate action" to have the barrier removed.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Monday Philippine vessels entered the area without permission. The spokesperson said the China Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with law.