Persona non grata for China diplomats ‘option of last resort’The Chinese embassy has drawn flak for its remarks against Philippine officials who had criticized China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea. Some senators have proposed that Chinese embassy officials be declared persona non grata, a declaration that can be made by President Marcos as head of state. When asked about Marcos’ position on declaring Chinese embassy officials persona non grata, Castro said Lazaro’s statement reflected Marcos’ stance on the matter. China claims practically the entire South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, the area within Manila’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. In 2002, ASEAN member countries and China inked the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to address maritime disputes peacefully.

Source: Philippine Star January 29, 2026 16:35 UTC