The Philippines says it has removed a floating barrier installed by China to block Philippine fishing boats entering a contested area in the South China Sea.

The Philippines coast guard said it had been instructed to do so by President Ferdinand Marcos Junior.

Manila says China violated its fishing rights with the 300m (1,000ft) barrier in the Scarborough Shoal.

China claims more than 90% of the South China Sea and seized the shoal in 2012.

Beijing defended the actions of its coastguard, stating they were “necessary measures”.

“The barrier posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law. It also hinders the conduct of fishing and livelihood activities of Filipino fisherfolk,” the Philippines coast guard said in a statement.

It described the shoal as “an integral part of the Philippine national territory”.