China announced the arrival in Manila on 16 January of military rescue and relief equipment, estimated at PhP614 million, destined for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The delivery represented the first tranche of military aid from China, totaling PhP1 billion (US$19.6 million).

Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian belatedly made the announcement on 22 January, adding that the second tranche will be delivered next month. The deliveries include drone systems, explosive ordnance disposal units, transport vehicles, fire trucks and engineering supplies.

Chinese President Xi Jinping committed in 2019 to support the Duterte government in its ‘counter-narcotics’ and ‘counterterrorism’ campaigns. Ambassador Huang said he hopes that “the donation would play a role in fighting terrorism… China will continue to support the Philippines’ disaster relief and recovery efforts and the AFP capability building to the best of its ability.”

There is widespread resentment among the Philippine population against China’s refusal to recognize the exclusive Philippine sovereign rights to the West Philippine Sea, despite the July 2016 decision of the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration rejecting China’s claim to the whole of the South China Sea.

The Duterte government is also under widespread international pressure for its numerous human rights violations. It is being subjected to formal investigations by the International Criminal Court for allegations of crimes against humanity and other grievous violations of human rights.