President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua discussed China Coast Guard abuses at Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Tuesday as the nation celebrated Independence Day. The President and Zhao had a brief talk at Aguinaldo Shrine here, from where Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, leader of the revolt against Spanish colonial rule, proclaimed Philippine independence on June 12, 1898. Zhao’s presence at the celebration of the 120th anniversary of Philippine independence raised eyebrows and drew disapproving comments on social media, although he was just one of the foreign diplomats invited to the event.

Corrales, N., Avedaño, C. O. & Yap, D. (2018, June 13). Sea row takes center stage in June 12 rites. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A10.