China on Tuesday slammed the International Criminal Court (ICC) for what it described as “double standards” and “politicization” after former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested for his alleged crimes against humanity.

In a report from AFP, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning was asked for a reaction regarding Duterte’s arrest early Tuesday in relation to his administration’s war on drugs.

“China has noted the relevant information and is closely monitoring the development of the situation,” Mao said in a press briefing when asked about the arrest.

Duterte was arrested upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. He attended a Kingdom of Jesus Christ-hosted “Pasasalamat kay PRRD with OFW” event in Hong Kong on Sunday.

Based on government data, at least 7,000 people were killed under Duterte’s drug war. However, both local and international human rights groups disputed this figure, stressing that the actual number of victims could be as high as 30,000.

Duterte-China relations

During his term, Duterte veered away from the country’s traditional ally, the United States, and developed warmer ties with America’s rival, China.

His successor, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has since restored Manila’s close ties with Washington since assuming office in 2022.

The renewed alliance between the two nations is deemed critical due to the escalating maritime dispute between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea.

In recent years, tensions between Manila and Beijing have intensified as China has become increasingly aggressive in obstructing the Philippines' regular rotation and resupply missions for personnel stationed at BRP Sierra Madre.

China's actions against Philippine vessels and crew members have included the use of water cannons, laser pointing, dangerous maneuvers, and ramming of boats, among other hostile tactics.

The BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II ship, serves as a permanent station for the Philippines’ military personnel in Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal.

Ayungin Shoal has been a point of contention between the two countries due to overlapping territorial claims in the area.

Located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan, the low-tide elevation is part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

In July 2016, the Philippines won its arbitral case against China at the Permanent Court of Arbitration. However, the ruling remains unenforced as China continues to reject the award.

Duterte set aside the arbitral ruling during his term, belittling it as a mere “piece of paper.” He also threatened to “throw” it in a wastebasket.