PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday that China is the only country that supported his war against illegal drug trade in the country.
"China is the only country to come out freely and has a firm statement that they are supporting the fight against drugs in my country,” Duterte said in a video posted by New China TV.
Duterte said United States (US), European Union (EU) and other international human rights groups were vocal in airing their deep concern against the alleged extrajudicial killings elicited by his serious anti-drug campaign.
“Other countries, United States, EU, instead of helping us [since], they know that we are short of money, that we are a poor country, all they have to do was to criticize,” Duterte added.
Duterte lauded that China, instead of joining the other country in questioning his move in suppressing drug concerns, they supported his agenda.
The President then cited the inaudible establishment of drug rehabilitation in Fort Magsaysay in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija funded by China, to help the government with the soaring number of drug surrenderees and address the lack of rehabilitation centers for those who seek to be reformed.
“China never criticizes. They help us quietly. It was not only last week that I knew that the buildings are almost complete and nobody knew it," Duterte said.
Duterte, in his four-day state visit to China, eyes to strengthen the trade relations of Philippines and Beijing despite the maritime disputes they are currently facing.
"We would like to go there to make friends but not really to ask for money but to call for help. If we can have the things that you have given to other countries, your assistance, we also would like to be a part of it and to be a part of the greater plans of China about the whole of Asia particularly Southeast Asia," Duterte said.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi commended Duterte for working to improve ties with Beijing.