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China has barred 16 local officials from the Municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, in response to resolutions passed by the small town declaring the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines persona non grata.

In a statement, the Chinese Embassy in Manila called the Kalayaan resolutions so‑called measures and said the officials involved are banned based on the principle of reciprocity. Among those listed were Mayor Beltzasar S. Alindogan, Vice Mayor Maurice Phillip Alexis S. Albayda, and several council members.

Kalayaan — a tiny municipality overseeing parts of the Spratly Islands, including Pag‑asa Island — has become a flashpoint in the South China Sea dispute. The town previously declared a Chinese envoy persona non grata in 2023, following confrontations near Second Thomas Shoal.

The latest measure came after Kalayaan’s January 2026 resolution banning Ambassador Jing Quan from entering the municipality — a symbolic move reflecting frustration over China’s presence in disputed waters. Local leaders say they are defending Philippine sovereignty, while Beijing sees the move as a provocation.

The Philippine national government has not yet responded to the travel ban. Persona non grata declarations are typically used as a last resort in diplomacy, especially when they involve foreign envoys.

This unusual escalation highlights how even small, remote communities like Kalayaan can influence wider diplomatic tensions between Manila and Beijing.