PH backing China’s Xue for ICJ due to close ties, ‘proven competence’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will vote for China’s candidate to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) due to his “proven competence” and the two nation’s close ties, Malacañang said Monday.

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. earlier ordered the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York to vote for China’s ICJ bet Xue Hanqin.

“The proven competence, probity and integrity of the Chinese candidate, who also happens to be one of my closest friends, Judge Xue,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in an online briefing when asked to explain the country’s vote.

“And of course the support given to the Chinese candidate is number one because of the proven track record of Judge Xue who is already a sitting ICJ judge, and also, a further manifestation of the very close relationship between the Philippines and China,” he added.

Xue is the incumbent vice president of the ICJ, also known as the World Court. He was elected to the ICJ in 2010.

There will be five vacancies in the ICJ by next year. Four of the eight candidates vying for the seats are incumbent judges. [ac]