China Sanctions Philippine Senator Who Crafted South China Sea Claim

A March 2025 file image of the so-called "nine-dash line" which demarcates China's territorial claim in the South China Sea. Photo by Nhac NGUYEN / AFP

The Chinese announced sanctions against Francis Tolentino, the former Senate majority leader of the Philippines. The move bars Tolentino, whose term ended on Monday, from traveling to the Chinese mainland, Macau, and Hong Kong.

Tolentino was the main author of the 2024 Philippine Maritime Zones Act [PDF], which asserts Philippine claims over parts of the South China Sea. The act was signed by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. amid complaints from Beijing. The senator is a key ally of Marcos and spearheaded investigations of Chinese spying in the country.

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by CGSP Staff

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