Chinese Embassy in the Philippines elaborates on sanctions against former senator Tolentino
The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on Tuesday responded to questions concerning sanctions China imposed on former Philippine senator Francis Tolentino, stressing that the measures fall entirely within China's legal jurisdiction and that actions harming China's interests will certainly have consequences.
According to a statement published on the official WeChat account of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, Ambassador Huang Xilian notified the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs about China's decision. A spokesperson for the Embassy noted that "For some time, a handful anti-China politicians in the Philippines, driven by personal interests, have made a series of malicious remarks and actions on China-related issues that undermine China's interests and damage China-Philippines relations."
The Chinese government remains unwavering in its resolve to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, the spokesperson said, adding that the decision to sanction Tolentino was based on his egregious behavior concerning China-related matters.
Individuals like Tolentino who maliciously smear China and stir up confrontation over disputes will only reap what they sow. Ultimately, these actions will harm the interests of the Philippine nation and its people, according to the Embassy's statement.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry on July 1 announced that China had decided to impose sanctions on former Philippines' senator Francis Tolentino for his egregious conduct on China-related issues and prohibit him from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.
For quite some time, driven by selfish interests, a handful of anti-China politicians in the Philippines have made malicious remarks and moves on issues related to China that are detrimental to China's interests and China-Philippines relations. The Chinese government is firmly resolved to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests, according to the Ministry.