Overview

• The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Tuesday it has sanctioned former Philippine senator Francis Tolentino over his role in codifying Manila’s South China Sea claims.
• Under the measures, Tolentino is barred from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
• Tolentino sponsored the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, laws enacted last November to affirm the country’s maritime territories and resource rights.
• In a post on X, Tolentino called the sanctions a “badge of honor” and pledged to continue defending Philippine sovereign rights at sea.
• Analysts say Beijing’s move illustrates its broader tactic of diplomatic pressure as maritime confrontations with Philippine vessels grow more frequent.