China Sanctions Ex-Philippine Senator Amid South China Sea Dispute

China imposed sanctions on former Philippine senator Francis Tolentino, prohibiting his entry due to his stance on the South China Sea, a day after his Senate term ended. The Chinese foreign ministry accused Filipino politicians of damaging bilateral ties. Tolentino, undeterred, calls the sanctions a badge of honor.

In a significant diplomatic move, China has sanctioned former Philippine senator Francis Tolentino, preventing him from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau. The decision, announced on Tuesday, came just a day after Tolentino's six-year term in the Philippine Senate concluded.

The Chinese government cited Tolentino's "egregious conduct" concerning legislation focused on the South China Sea, particularly his efforts to define the Philippines' maritime zones in ways that oppose Beijing's claims. This move aligns with Beijing's stance against certain Filipino politicians, accused by China of making harmful remarks and actions.

Tolentino, who views the sanctions as a "badge of honour," remains resolute, asserting his commitment to fighting for Philippine sovereignty. The sanctions follow a broader geopolitical tension, as China contests jurisdictional overlap in the resource-rich South China Sea with multiple Southeast Asian nations, disregarding a 2016 international ruling voiding its claims.

(With inputs from agencies.)