Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio has sounded a warning regarding the implications of allowing China to patrol Sandy Cay, a small island in the South China Sea. According to Carpio, permitting this action may inadvertently legitimize China’s expansive nine-dash line claim, which includes a significant portion of the disputed waters.
Carpio’s concerns stem from his understanding of international law and its potential application to the situation. He emphasizes that the Philippines must be cautious in its dealings with China to avoid being tied to their questionable claims.