Manila last weekend accused China’s military and coast guard of harassing Philippine government aircraft and boats in two areas of the South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone. (Reuters pic)

MANILA: China's military and coast guard presence in South China Sea waters claimed by the Philippines nearly doubled last month, Manila said Thursday.

Beijing claims most of the strategic waterway despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis, and confrontations between Philippine and Chinese ships have in some cases led to collisions resulting in injuries and damage.

In September, Manila monitored 101 Chinese navy and coast guard ships around Philippine-garrisoned Thitu Island and Second Thomas Shoal, as well as off Sabina Shoal and Chinese-controlled Scarborough Shoal.