Former Philippine President Duterte Did Not Seek Asylum in China, Confirms Chinese Foreign Ministry

Former Philippine President Duterte Did Not Seek Asylum in China, Confirms Chinese Foreign Ministry

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has clarified that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte did not apply for asylum in China. Reports claiming otherwise were dismissed as unverified and misleading. The ministry stated that Duterte’s recent trip to Hong Kong was purely for a private vacation, emphasizing that no asylum request from him or his family was ever received.

Key Points:

China Denies Duterte's Asylum Request Claims

During a March 24 press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jakun stated that China has not received any asylum request from Duterte or his family. This directly contradicts reports suggesting the former leader was seeking refuge to escape legal troubles in the Philippines.

Duterte's Hong Kong Trip Was a Vacation

Guo Jakun confirmed that Duterte’s recent Hong Kong visit was a personal trip rather than an attempt to evade the arrest warrant issued against him. Media speculation linking his travel to asylum-seeking has been dismissed as baseless.

China Warns Against Fake News

The Chinese government urged media outlets to verify sources before reporting, emphasizing the risks of spreading misinformation. The statement highlights the importance of responsible journalism in preventing false narratives.

Duterte's Arrest Warrant & Legal Context

An arrest warrant for Rodrigo Duterte was issued on March 11, coinciding with his return from Hong Kong. The charges relate to allegations of crimes against humanity tied to his administration’s controversial war on drugs. The case continues to generate global media attention as the former president faces legal scrutiny.

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