Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has called on China to uphold and maintain constructive engagement and people-to-people exchanges after the country banned 16 Kalayaan, Palawan officials from entering China, including Hong Kong and Macau. The ban came after the local government of Kalayaan's declaration of persona non grata against Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan, within its municipal jurisdiction, citing supposed violations of diplomatic protocol and interference in Philippine internal affairs.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DFA noted the recent statement of the Chinese Embassy not to welcome Kalayaan Municipality councilors into China, including Hong Kong and Macau, on the basis of reciprocity. DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona emphasized that while a country's sovereign prerogative includes preventing the entry of foreign nationals into their territory, such actions do not contribute to fostering good and vibrant bilateral relations. This is especially important in reinvigorating people-to-people interaction, which both the Philippines and China have committed to.
In a statement posted on social media, Chinese Embassy in Manila spokesperson Ji Lingpeng named 16 Kalayaan local officials, including Beltzasar Alindogan, Maurice Phillip Alexis Albayda, and others, as not welcome to enter China, including its special administrative regions Hong Kong and Macao, on the principle of reciprocity.
DFA Spokesperson on Maritime Affairs Rogelio Villanueva Jr. emphasized the value of candid and vigorous debate with foreign counterparts on important issues, consistent with the Philippines' democratic tradition. He acknowledged the embassy's duty to respond but urged that responses be made in a calm and professional manner, conscious of the mutual respect that must prevail in all diplomatic interactions. Villanueva encouraged the Chinese embassy to be constructive in its statements towards a healthy dialogue, despite major differences, to advance the overall bilateral relationship.
