China Sanctions Former Filipino Lawmaker Over South China Sea Dispute

China has placed sanctions on Francis Tolentino, a former Filipino senator, in response to his sponsorship of laws that define the Philippines' territorial claims in the contested South China Sea. This move comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations over maritime rights in the region.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the sanctions, which ban Tolentino from entering China and its special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau. This decision reflects China's displeasure with what it calls anti-China political maneuvers within the Philippines, citing a history of such actions damaging bilateral relations.

Tolentino, in a statement, vowed to persist in advocating for the Philippines' sovereign rights, viewing the sanction as a mark of distinction. This incident underlines the continuing clashes, both verbal and physical, between the two countries over their conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea, highlighted by confrontations and aggressive maneuvers at sea.

(With inputs from agencies.)