Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has cautioned that expelling the Chinese envoy could lead to a downgrade in diplomatic ties between the Philippines and China. In an exclusive interview with ANC’s Karen Davila, Carpio emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels amidst rising tensions over territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
Carpio noted that while expelling the envoy may be seen as an extreme sanction, it could also have unintended consequences on the country’s economic and trade relations with China. He urged policymakers to carefully weigh their options and consider the long-term implications of such a move.
As tensions continue to escalate in the disputed waters, Carpio stressed the need for diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue peacefully. He called on both countries to respect international law and refrain from actions that could further inflame the situation.