Around 100 Chinese vessels have been spotted encroaching into Malaysia's maritime territory in the disputed South China Sea, Malaysia's news agency Bernama reported.

Malaysia's National Security Minister Shahidan Kassim told reporters that the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the navy have dispatched necessary military assets near Luconia Shoals to monitor the latest situation.

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Shahida warned that Malaysia will take legal against if Chinese vessels are found guilty of trespassing into its economic zone.

The Luconia Shoals, where the Chinese boats were reportedly spotted, are being claimed by both China and Malaysia. The area is currently administrated by Malaysia.      

In response to the accusations from Malaysia, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei has explained that the Chinese trawlers were only carrying out normal fishing activities.    

"What I want to point out is that now is the fishing season in the South China Sea ... At this time of year, every year, Chinese trawlers are in the relevant waters carrying out normal fishing activities," Hong said.

China is currently embroiled in a row with Indonesia, after Indonesian authorities arrested eight Chinese fishermen aboard a trawler. Indonesia claims that the Chinese trawler trespassed into its economic zone in Natuna Islands, which is being claimed by both countries.

Indonesia has vowed to prosecute all the eight Chinese fishermen.

Tensions have been escalating over the disputed South China Sea region since last year. Earlier this year, China deployed missiles and fighter jets to  Woody Island, prompting criticism from the U.S.

China is claiming a large part of the energy rich South China Sea. However, five neighboring countries - Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines, Brunei and Vietnam - have competing claims over the area. 

TagsMalaysia, china, South China Sea, Luconia Shoals