Philippine Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has refuted President Rodrigo Duterte’s claim that China possesses the South China Sea. According to Carpio, international law is clear on the matter, and China’s assertion of sovereignty over the disputed waters is baseless. In a recent statement, Carpio emphasized that the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) explicitly states that no country can claim ownership of the entire South China Sea. This assertion has sparked controversy in the Philippines, with many questioning Duterte’s stance on the issue.
Carpio’s assertion is not new to Philippine politics. As a leading advocate for the country’s territorial rights, he has been vocal about the need for the government to assert its claim over the disputed waters. His recent statement highlights the tension between the Philippines’ desire to assert its sovereignty and China’s attempts to expand its influence in the region.
As one of the most respected voices on Philippine foreign policy and international law, Carpio’s assertion is likely to spark further debate on the issue. With the Philippines facing increasing pressure from China to back down on its claims, Carpio’s stance serves as a reminder that the country has a strong legal foundation to support its territorial rights.