The Philippines forces conduct sea patrols in April, 2021. (Photo: Rappler)

The Philippines’ Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that more than 200 such challenges took place while the Philippines was conducting routine patrols. These provocative acts threaten the peace, order, and security of the South China Sea and run contrary to China's obligations under international law, the foreign ministry said, adding that patrols the Philippines conducted over territories under its claim are legal, customary, and routine. The Philippines did not specify over what time period the occurrences took place.

The Chinese embassy in Manila had yet to comment.