China Reacts to ICC Arrest of Former Philippine President

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during her regular press briefing on Tuesday. Image via the Chinese Foreign Ministry

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed a subtle dig at the International Criminal Court following Interpol’s arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte will face charges of crimes against humanity in the Hague for numerous allegations of extrajudicial killings under his anti-drugs campaign in the late 2010s.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning cautioned the court to “prevent politicization or double standards.” Duterte oversaw a more China-friendly phase of Philippine foreign policy, including a “gentleman’s agreement” to avoid conflict in the South China Sea.

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