China barred Tolentino from entering the country on Tuesday, citing his "egregious behavior" in matters like the South China Sea dispute a day after he finished his six-year tenure.

Tolentino had campaigned on his efforts last year to introduce laws that defined the country's maritime zones and sea lanes, but China was against it.

A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry accused certain Filipino politicians of "malicious comments and moves" which hurt relations between the two countries.

The spokesperson said in a press release that "the Chinese government is strongly resolved to defend its national sovereignty, security interests and development goals."

According to the Ministry, Tolentino is prohibited from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Tolentino stated in a press release that "no foreign power could silence me or weaken the resolve I have to defend our sovereignty". He called the sanctions "a badge of honour" while vowing to continue his fight to "protect what rightfully belongs" the Philippines.

China's claims to the South China Sea - a channel for 3 trillion dollars in shipborne commerce every year - overlap with Brunei and the exclusive economic zones in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

China has rejected a 2016 decision of an arbitral tribunal that invalidated Beijing's broad claims, saying they were not based on international law. (Reporting from Joe Cash in Beijing, Mikhail Flores at Manila and Clarence Fernandez in Manila)

(source: Reuters)