Philippines Voices Diplomatic Concern Over China's Entry Ban on Kalayaan Officials
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines has formally expressed deep concern regarding China's recent decision to prohibit 16 officials from Kalayaan municipality from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the DFA emphasized that such actions, while within a nation's sovereign rights, do not foster the healthy bilateral relations both countries have pledged to maintain.
The DFA specifically highlighted that preventing entry to these officials undermines efforts to reinvigorate people-to-people interactions, a key commitment shared by the Philippines and China. This diplomatic friction emerges against the backdrop of longstanding territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea, where tensions have periodically escalated.
Reciprocal Measures and Local Council Resolution
China's declaration of the 16 Kalayaan officials as persona non grata follows a resolution adopted by the Kalayaan municipal council, which similarly declared Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian persona non grata. The local resolution accused Ambassador Huang of defending alleged harassment by the China Coast Guard against Philippine vessels operating in the disputed waters.
In response, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng stated that Beijing's action was based on the principle of reciprocity, framing the ban as a direct countermeasure to the municipality's declaration against the Chinese envoy. This tit-for-tat dynamic underscores the fragile state of diplomatic engagements between the two nations.
Historical Context and Ongoing Disputes
The West Philippine Sea, part of the broader South China Sea, has been a focal point of contention for years. In 2016, an arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China's claims within sea areas falling under the nine-dash line, which covers over 90 percent of the West Philippine Sea. Despite this ruling, China has continued to assert sovereignty, notably releasing an updated official standard map in August 2023 that now includes a ten-dash line.
The Philippines has filed numerous diplomatic protests against China, citing harassment and dangerous maneuvers by Chinese vessels against Philippine Coast Guard and civilian boats in the disputed territory. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges in managing maritime boundaries and ensuring regional stability.
As both nations navigate these complex issues, the recent entry ban adds another layer to the diplomatic strain, with implications for future cooperation and conflict resolution in the Asia-Pacific region.
