Philippines protests over 200 'illegal' radio challenges, intimidation by China in WPS

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday called out China over its latest actions inside Philippine territory.

In a statement, the DFA said it had protested recent Chinese harassment of Philippine vessels, which includes "unlawful issuance of over 200 radio challenges, sounding of sirens, and blowing of horns," while conducting routine patrols within the Philippines' territorial waters.

"These provocative acts threaten the peace, good order, and security of the South China Sea and run contrary to China's obligations under international law," the DFA said on Twitter.

The DFA did not say when these reported incidents took place.

In September, it was also revealed that at least 150 Chinese vessels were doing fishing operations

The Philippines and China have been embroiled in years-long territorial disputes in the South China Sea, particularly in the area Manila refers to as the West Philippine Sea.

China's claim to nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas under the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, was declared illegal by the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration in July 2016. 

The tribunal has no power of enforcement as China repeatedly refused to recognize the decision won by the Philippines.

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are currently negotiating for a code of conduct aimed at preventing disputes from escalating into an armed conflict. 

According to Foreign Affairs Chief Teodoro Locsin Jr., the DFA filed a total of 158 diplomatic notes against China, of which 143 have been issued under his leadership.— with a report from Michaela Del Callar/VBL, GMA News