China bars Philippine local officials over Kalayaan resolutions
MANILA, Philippines — China has barred several Philippine local officials from entering the country, including Hong Kong and Macao, in response to resolutions adopted by the municipal council of Kalayaan, Palawan, declaring the Chinese ambassador persona non grata.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said the “so-called Kalayaan Municipality” council passed resolutions in 2023 and again in 2026 declaring the Chinese ambassador persona non grata. The embassy described the resolutions as fabricated and said its move was based on the principle of reciprocity.
“Based on the principle of reciprocity, the individuals involved in fabricating the said resolutions are not welcome to enter China (including Hong Kong and Macao),” the embassy said.
The embassy listed 16 individuals covered by the travel restriction: Beltzasar S. Alindogan, Maurice Phillip Alexis S. Albayda, Nonelon B. Balbontin, Nonie C. Gapuz, Roberto M. Asiado, Hubert B. Llavan, Francis P. Polizon, Marilou S. Vales, Monico A. Abogado, Eugenio B. Bito-onon, Hermoso A. Ornopia, Tracylie Shierjun R. Malabayabas, Arzel E. Belidan, Vicencio R. Milan, Allan D. Dellosa and Mary Cristina J. Lagrosa.
READ: Palawan town declares Chinese envoy persona non grata
The embassy did not say when the travel restriction would take effect or how long it would remain in place.
Kalayaan is a small Philippine municipality on Pag-asa Island that administers Philippine-occupied features in the Spratly Islands.
In January, its council declared Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata after the embassy criticized Philippine officials, including Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commo. Jay Tarriela.
The move is largely symbolic since only the national government can formally declare a diplomat persona non grata under international law.
Kalayaan previously declared a Chinese ambassador persona non grata in 2023 after Chinese vessels used water cannons against Philippine Coast Guard vessels during a resupply mission. /mr
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