Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has expressed his support for the appointment of former foreign affairs chief Teodoro Locsin Jr. as special envoy to China, highlighting Locsin’s unwavering commitment to defending the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
Carpio, a renowned expert on international law and maritime disputes, commended Locsin’s track record of advocating for the Philippines’ interests in the South China Sea. He noted that Locsin’s appointment is a strategic move by the government to strengthen its diplomatic efforts with China.
The West Philippine Sea has been a contentious issue between the two nations, with China’s aggressive expansion and militarization of artificial islands sparking concern among regional countries and the international community. Carpio’s endorsement of Locsin’s appointment underscores his confidence in the former foreign affairs chief’s ability to navigate complex diplomatic situations and protect the country’s territorial integrity.