China denies receiving asylum request from ex-president Duterte, kin

China refuted claims on Monday that it received a request for asylum from former president Rodrigo Duterte and his family.

In a 24 Oras report on Monday, China said Duterte’s recent visit to Hong Kong was a private matter.

“Mr. Duterte’s visit to Hong Kong is a private holiday. China has never received an application from the so-called former President Duterte and his family to seek asylum from the Chinese government,” said Guo Jiakun, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

On March 7, Duterte went to Hong Kong to attend an event for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

On the same day, the Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court released the warrant arrest against the former president.

Duterte was arrested on March 11 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport after he and his party arrived from Hong Kong. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News