As a respected voice on international law, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has sounded the alarm on China’s alleged use of grey-zone tactics to avoid triggering the Philippines-U.S. mutual defense treaty.
Carpio expressed his concerns about a supposed ‘gentleman’s deal’ between former President Rodrigo Duterte and China, which he believes is disadvantageous to the Philippines and does not reflect formal country policy.
The agreement supposedly maintains the status quo in the West Philippine Sea, limiting resupply missions to the Philippine outpost in Ayungin Shoal to food and water only, without any reconstruction efforts. Carpio’s expert analysis highlights the importance of understanding China’s tactics in navigating international law.