As tensions persist over Chinese militia vessels at Julian Felipe reef, retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio emphasizes the importance of seeking redress through international law. According to Carpio, bringing China before a tribunal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) would be an effective means of rallying world opinion against Beijing’s actions. By invoking UNCLOS, the Philippines can ensure that its territorial rights are respected and protected.
Carpio’s proposal is rooted in his extensive knowledge of international law and his experience as a key figure in several high-profile cases involving China’s claims in the South China Sea. His advocacy highlights the significance of upholding the rule of law, even in the face of assertive actions by other nations.