💨 Abstract

China sanctioned former Filipino lawmaker Francis Tolentino for his involvement in bills asserting the Philippines' territorial claims in the South China Sea. Tolentino's response on the platform X stated that he would continue defending Philippine rights, viewing the sanction as an honor. The bills, Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, assert the Philippines' maritime territories and resource rights, sparking condemnation from China. The countries frequently clash over these claims.

Courtesy: WTOP Staff