The Chinese government has taken a firm stance by imposing entry bans on 16 local officials from the Municipality of Kalayaan, prohibiting them from entering China, Hong Kong, and Macau. This significant diplomatic action was announced in a statement by Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng, who cited the principle of reciprocity as the basis for the move.
Reciprocal Measures in Response to Local Resolution
According to the embassy's statement, this ban is a direct response to a resolution passed by the Kalayaan council. The resolution declared Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian as persona non grata, a status that typically denotes an unwelcome person in diplomatic circles. The Chinese government has now reciprocated by applying the same designation to the Kalayaan officials, effectively barring them from Chinese territories.
List of Officials Affected by the Ban
The individuals declared persona non grata by China include key figures from the Municipality of Kalayaan. The list comprises:
- Mayor Beltzasar S. Alindogan
- Vice Mayor Maurice Phillip Alexis S. Albayda
- Councilor Nonelon B. Balbontin
- Councilor Nonie C. Gapuz
- Councilor Roberto M. Asiado
- Councilor Hubert B. Llavan
- Councilor Francis P. Polizon
- Councilor Marilou S. Vales
- Councilor Monico A. Abogado
- Councilor Eugenio B. Bito-onon
- Hermoso A. Ornopia
- Tracylie Shierjun R. Malabayabas
- Arzel E. Belidan
- Vicencio R. Milan
- Allan D. Dellosa
- Mary Cristina J. Lagrosa
This comprehensive list highlights the broad scope of the ban, affecting multiple levels of local governance in Kalayaan.
Background on the Diplomatic Tension
The root of this diplomatic row stems from the Municipality of Kalayaan's decision to declare Ambassador Huang Xilian persona non grata. This action was taken in response to the ambassador's defense of China Coast Guard activities against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea. The local council viewed this defense as a justification for harassment, leading to their resolution and the subsequent retaliatory measures from China.
This incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the region, particularly concerning maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea. The exchange of persona non grata declarations between local Philippine officials and the Chinese government marks a notable escalation in diplomatic friction, potentially impacting bilateral relations and regional stability.
