China Bans Filipinos From Entering Hong Kong And Macau

China officially bans 16 Filipino local officials from entering its territories including mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau on Tuesday. The Chinese Embassy in Manila announced the travel restriction as a direct retaliation after the group declared Chinese diplomats unwelcome in the town of Kalayaan. This move prevents these specific individuals from traveling to popular destinations like Hong Kong for leisure or business.

The Chinese Embassy justifies this decision using the principle of reciprocity. In early 2026 the Kalayaan municipal council passed a resolution declaring Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata. This followed a similar move in 2023 when the town banned former envoy Huang Xilian. Beijing responded by blacklisting every official involved in drafting and approving those resolutions.

Blacklisted Filipinos and the official travel ban list

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The Chinese government now officially bars the following individuals from entering mainland China and its special administrative regions.

• Mayor Beltzasar S. Alindogan

• Vice Mayor Maurice Phillip Alexis S. Albayda

• Councilors Nonelon B. Balbontin, Nonie C. Gapuz, Roberto M. Asiado, Hubert B. Llavan, Francis P. Polizon, Marilou S. Vales, Monico A. Abogado, and Eugenio B. Bito-onon

• Other Local Officials Hermoso A. Ornopia, Tracylie Shierjun R. Malabayabas, Arzel E. Belidan, Vicencio R. Milan, Allan D. Dellosa, and Mary Cristina J. Lagrosa

Also read: China Opens Visa-Free Entry for Filipinos to Visit Hainan — See How to Be Eligible

Why China banned Kalayaan officials from Hong Kong

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Tension escalated because the Kalayaan council sought to protect Philippine interests in the West Philippine Sea. They criticized Ambassador Jing Quan for interfering in local matters when he demanded that the Philippine government hold Commodore Jay Tarriela accountable for his transparency efforts. The council described the embassy actions as an attempt to intimidate a Philippine officer and subsequently banned the ambassador from their islands.

Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng dismissed the council resolutions as fabricated political stunts. He stated that China does not welcome the individuals responsible for these measures on its soil. While this ban targets a specific group of officials it highlights how diplomatic friction creates real world travel consequences for Filipinos in government.

For most regular Filipino travelers and OFWs the travel status to Hong Kong or Macau remains unchanged. This blacklist strictly affects the 16 individuals mentioned above due to the ongoing dispute over the Kalayaan islands. Travelers should stay updated on the latest embassy announcements when planning trips to these regions in the coming months.

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