CHINESE Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua branded on Monday, April 1, as a mere "fabrication" the communications lodged by two former Philippine officials against Chinese President Xi Jinping before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a chance interview with Palace reporters, Zhao said the Chinese government already received an assurance from President Rodrigo Duterte that his administration has no hand in the filing of the communication for crimes against humanity allegedly committed by Xi in the disputed South China Sea.
"First and foremost, President Duterte and Department of Concern expressed clearly to the Chinese that the Philippine government has no role on that. So it's an action by individuals," the Chinese ambassador said.
"And we think it's a kind of political action viciously targeting the Chinese leadership. So we don't think it's a proper action that is based on facts. So it's a fabrication, and also the misuse of the mandate of the ICC," he added.
Former Foreign Affairs secretary Albert del Rosario and former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales represented the Filipino fishermen in filing the communication before the ICC on March 13, or just four days before the formal withdrawal of the Philippines's membership from the international court.
Del Rosario and Carpio-Morales accused Xi and other Chinese officials of committing crimes against humanity for implementing Beijing's "systematic plan to control the South China Sea."
China is not a member-state of the ICC, but the communication stressed that the ICC can exercise jurisdiction over China for its "atrocious actions" in the disputed South China Sea, particularly within Philippine territory.
Last week, Duterte met with several Chinese officials in Davao City to make it clear that his government was not involved in the filing of the communication.
READ: Duterte: ICC case vs Xi Jinping won't affect PH-China ties
Asked if he thinks the communication will not prosper, Zhao said: "Of course. I don't think it's appropriate." (SunStar Philippines)