Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to formally express the Philippine government's concern over Beijing's decision to sanction former senator Francis Tolentino. This move by China has sparked a diplomatic conversation between the two countries, focusing on the wider issues surrounding the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
According to Philippines News Agency, China has barred Tolentino from entering its mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau, citing his 'egregious conduct on China-related issues'. The sanctions specifically relate to his stance on the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea. During a Palace briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro delivered a statement signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, emphasizing that the Philippines took exception to China's decision.
The statement from the DFA noted that while China has the legal prerogative to impose such sanctions, targeting democratically elected officials for their official actions conflicts with the principles of mutual respect and dialogue that should govern relations between two equal sovereign states. The DFA stressed that the Philippines, as a democratic nation, cherishes the principle of free speech and legislative independence.
The DFA further reminded the Chinese Ambassador that freedom of expression is a valued principle in the Philippines, and underscored the role of senators and other elected officials in inquiring about national and public interests, in line with the constitutional separation of powers.
The department reiterated the Philippines' commitment to resolving differences peacefully through established diplomatic channels, and expressed a desire for continued constructive engagement with China to enhance mutual understanding. The Chinese diplomat was summoned on July 4 to discuss these matters.
China's assertive stance in the South China Sea, a resource-rich area overlapping with the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations, remains a contentious issue. Despite a 2016 international arbitral tribunal ruling that invalidated Beijing's sweeping claims, China continues to assert its sovereignty and conduct operations in the disputed territories.
Former Senator Tolentino, whose term ended on June 30, responded to the sanctions by describing them as a 'badge of honor', reinforcing his commitment to defending Philippine sovereignty. 'No foreign power can silence me or weaken my resolve to uphold our sovereignty,' he stated.
