The Philippine government summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to the Philippines, expressing "concern" over Beijing's rare move. China announced last week that it had sanctioned former Philippine Senator Tolenino, citing his poor performance on issues involving China.
At a regular press conference on July 8, the spokesperson for the Philippine presidential office, Claire Castro, released a statement signed by Deputy Foreign Minister Theresa Lazaro. The statement said that although China has the legal right to impose sanctions, imposing punitive measures on elected officials performing their duties is inconsistent with the practice of building relations between two equal countries based on mutual respect and dialogue.
China expressed opposition to this, stating that the Philippine "Maritime Zones Act" promoted by the senator attempts to solidify the South China Sea arbitration ruling through domestic legislation, seriously infringing upon China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.
Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837063240873995/
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