Beijing sanctions former Filipino lawmaker who defended Philippines’ South China Sea claims

Francis Tolentino

China sanctioned a former Filipino lawmaker yesterday over perceived “anti-China” positions, including his authorship of bills that marked out the Philippines’ territorial claims in the disputed South China Sea.

Francis Tolentino, who has just finished serving his term as majority leader of the Philippine Senate, is prohibited from entering China as well as the territories of Hong Kong and Macau, according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“For some time, some anti-China politicians in the Philippines have adopted a series of malicious words and deeds on issues related to China for their own selfish interests, which have harmed China’s interests and undermined China-Philippines relations,” said the statement. “The Chinese government is determined to defend its national sovereignty, security and development interests.”

In a statement on X yesterday, Tolentino said he will “continue to fight — for what rightfully belongs to our nation,” adding the sanction is a badge of honor and that no foreign power can silence him.

Tolentino authored two bills that marked out the Philippines’ claims in the South China Sea. The two laws, called the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, were signed into law last November. The laws reaffirmed the extent of the country’s maritime territories in the South China Sea and right to resources from these areas.

The laws drew quick condemnation and dismissal of their legitimacy from China, which claims virtually all of the South China Sea.

“Any objections from China must be met with unwavering defense of our sovereign rights and adherence to lawful arbitration outcomes,” said Tolentino at the time.

Tolentino also accused China of planning to interfere in the mid-term elections in May in the Philippines, and had launched an investigation into alleged Chinese espionage when he was still a senator.

The Philippines government said it is aware of the sanctions. “While these measures are legally within China’s prerogative, they are not conducive to mutual efforts to restore mutual trust and improve bilateral relations,” said a statement from the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Philippines and China have been engaged in verbal and physical clashes over their claims in the offshore region.

Confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coast guard and naval forces in the disputed sea have become increasingly common in the past two years, with the Philippine side publicizing videos of Chinese boats firing water cannons. HUIZHONG WU, BANGKOK, MDT/AP