Justice Antonio Carpio has sounded the alarm over China’s use of ‘grey-zone tactics’ to avoid triggering the Philippines-U.S. mutual defense treaty. According to the former Supreme Court Associate Justice, these tactics involve China’s attempts to blur the lines between peace and war in the South China Sea, making it difficult for the Philippine government to invoke its military obligations under the pact.
In a recent interview, Carpio emphasized that the so-called ‘gentleman’s deal’ between former President Rodrigo Duterte and China is not a formal country policy and does not supersede the mutual defense treaty. He stressed that any agreement between the two countries must be submitted to the Senate for ratification, as required by the Philippine Constitution.
Carpio also highlighted the implications of China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, which he said were ‘disadvantageous’ to the Philippines. He noted that the country’s reliance on the gentleman’s deal had led to a lack of clarity and transparency in its dealings with China, making it difficult for the government to assert its rights and interests in the disputed waters.
As tensions continue to rise in the South China Sea, Justice Carpio’s warnings serve as a timely reminder of the importance of upholding international law and respecting the sovereignty of all nations. His insights offer a critical perspective on the complexities of the situation and the need for a more robust approach to defending Philippine interests.