Torrentino has truly hit a brick wall this time. On July 1st, the Chinese Foreign Ministry directly named him, announcing sanctions against him, banning his entry into mainland China and Hong Kong and Macao. The news immediately caused a stir in the Philippine political arena. After all, he is not an ordinary figure; he was the former leader of the majority party in the Senate, a familiar face in the Marcos camp, and a key proponent of the so-called "Maritime Zone Law," who drew maps of China's seas as if they were his own kitchen.
The Philippine political scene has recently seen dramatic changes. On July 1st, the Chinese Foreign Ministry suddenly took action, announcing sanctions against former Senator Torrentino, prohibiting his entry into mainland China and Hong Kong and Macao. This major news instantly sparked public opinion. After all, Torrentino is not an ordinary person; he was once the leader of the majority party in the Senate, a key figure in the Marcos camp, and became notorious for challenging China's sovereignty in the South China Sea by promoting the "Maritime Zone Law." Behind the sanctions, the South China Sea dispute between China and the Philippines has intensified again, causing great commotion in the Philippine political circles. Why was this sanction imposed? What does it mean for China and the Philippines? The truth is far more complex than it appears.
The root cause of Torrentino's sanction lies in the long-standing confrontation between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea issue. In recent years, the Philippines has been active on the South China Sea issue, especially in November 2024, when President Marcos signed the "Maritime Zone Law," officially incorporating the so-called "West Philippine Sea" into its jurisdiction, including parts of the islands and surrounding waters of the Nansha Islands that China claims. The mastermind behind this law is none other than Torrentino. As the former leader of the majority party in the Senate, he actively campaigned during the legislative process, advocating for the passage of this law, attempting to strengthen the Philippines' claim to disputed waters through domestic legislation.
Torrentino's political career is closely related to his anti-China stance. He comes from a legal background and has held several important positions in the Senate, gaining prominence in the Philippine political arena with his tough nationalist stance. In recent years, he has frequently made provocative remarks about China, accusing China of "occupying" Philippine waters and even portraying China as the number one threat to Philippine security. This stance earned him support among some people but also brought him greater trouble.
China's sanctions against Torrentino are not without reason. On July 1, 2024, the Chinese Foreign Ministry clearly stated that Torrentino was placed on the sanctions list due to his long-term activities that have harmed China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Specifically, he led the "Maritime Zone Law," which directly challenged China's nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea, drawing part of the Nansha Islands under the Philippines' "exclusive economic zone." This move was seen by China as a serious provocation.
In addition, Torrentino has repeatedly spread the "China threat theory" on the international stage. He accused China of manipulating Philippine public opinion through the internet and even interfering in Philippine elections, although these accusations have always lacked credible evidence. When the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced the sanction decision, it pointed out that Torrentino's words and actions not only damaged Sino-Philippine relations but also posed a threat to regional peace and stability. The sanction is a necessary response to his "malicious provocation."
After the sanction announcement, the Philippine political circles quickly fell into intense debate. Supporters of Torrentino believe he is a hero who "defends national sovereignty." Some nationalist groups held small rallies in Manila's streets, chanting slogans in support of his position. However, more pragmatic politicians and business figures expressed concerns. They pointed out that China is the second-largest trade partner of the Philippines, with bilateral trade reaching $40 billion in 2023. Sanctions may trigger retaliatory measures from China against Philippine goods, affecting economic stability.
The Marcos government attempts to find a balance between being tough and moderate. Official statements reiterate the sovereignty claim over the "West Philippine Sea," but at the same time emphasize a willingness to resolve disputes through diplomatic channels. However, there is no consensus within the government. Some officials privately revealed that Torrentino's radical approach put Marcos in a difficult position regarding China policy, increasing the complexity of diplomatic negotiations.
Facing the sanctions, Torrentino did not back down. He quickly responded on social media, calling the Chinese sanction "a symbol of honor" and stating that he will continue to fight for the Philippines' "maritime rights." He also called on the Filipino people to unite and resist "external pressure." This high-profile response obviously aims to turn the sanction into political capital, reinforcing his image domestically.
However, this stance has also raised doubts. Analysts believe that Torrentino's anti-China rhetoric is more for personal political considerations rather than genuinely serving the country's interests. His hardline attitude may attract attention in the short term, but in the long run, it could make the Philippines more isolated on the international stage.
Torrentino's sanction undoubtedly casts a new shadow over Sino-Philippine relations. In recent years, friction between the two countries over the South China Sea issue has continued to escalate, from the confrontation at Ren'ai Reef to fisheries disputes, and now the sanction incident, bilateral relations have become increasingly tense. Despite this, Sino-Philippine economic ties remain close. China is an important market for Philippine bananas, pineapples, and other agricultural products, and in the first half of 2024, the export volume of the Philippines to China increased by 5%. The sanction may prompt China to strengthen import inspections or reduce investments in the Philippines, which would be a real blow to the Philippine economy.
The impact of the sanction on Torrentino's personal political career should not be ignored. In 2026, he ran for the Philippine presidency, but due to the division among voters regarding his radical stance, he only won third place and failed to win. After the election loss, he gradually stepped back from politics and turned to legal work and writing. Although he still occasionally makes anti-China remarks, his influence has greatly declined.
Torrentino's sanction is both a microcosm of the South China Sea rivalry between China and the Philippines and a lesson for Philippine politicians who dare to provoke. Faced with China's strong retaliation, will the Philippines persist in confrontation or seek reconciliation? How will Sino-Philippine relations break the deadlock? The deeper meaning behind the incident is worth careful consideration. We welcome your comments and share your views on the South China Sea situation and the future of China and the Philippines!
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836684680106060/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.