Chinese envoy: ICC complaint vs Xi Jinping a ‘fabrication’

Ambassador Zhao Jianhua (Photo from the Facebook account of the Chinese Embassy in Manila)

MANILA, Philippines — Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jinhua on Monday dismissed as mere “fabrication” the complaint filed by two former Philippine government officials against Chinese President Xi Jinping before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Speaking to reporters in Malacañang, Zhao also acknowledged that President Rodrigo Duterte has already assured China that the Philippine government has nothing to do with the complaint.

“First and foremost, President Duterte and the department concerned has expressed clearly to the Chinese the Filipino government has no role in it. So it’s an action by individuals,” Zhao said.

READ: Duterte assures China that PH gov’t had no hand on ICC complaint vs Xi

“We think it is a kind of political action viciously targeting the Chinese leadership. So we don’t think it is a proper action that is based on facts. It’s a fabrication and also the misuse of the mandate of the ICC,” he added.

Asked if he thinks the complaint will not prosper, Zhao said: “Of course I don’t think it is appropriate.”

Former Foreign Affairs chief Albert Del Rosario and former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales recently filed a complaint, technically called a communication, before the ICC on behalf of Filipino fishermen who were “persecuted and injured” by China’s “atrocious actions” in the West Philippine Sea.

READ: Ex-DFA chief Del Rosario, Morales sue China’s Xi at ICC

Del Rosario and Morales accused Xi of crimes against humanity over China’s activities to gain control over most of the South China Sea. /kga