Palace backs DFA move to vote for China’s bet for ICJ post

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday expressed support for Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.’s decision to vote for the Chinese candidate in the coming election of judges to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

ICJ vice president Xue Hanqin is among the five members of the court whose terms are expiring in February next year. She is running for reelection.

In his press briefing, Roque said Xue’s “proven competence, probity and integrity” and the Philippines’ close ties with China are the reasons behind the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) support.

“The support given to the Chinese candidate is, No. 1, 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,” Roque said.

Xue was elected ICJ judge in June 2010 and appointed vice president in 2018. She is one of the three female members of the court.

Locsin said over the weekend that he had directed the Philippine mission in the United Nations to vote for Xue in the election set on Nov. 11.