Former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has spoken out about the recent water cannon attack by Chinese vessels on Philippine ships in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This aggressive action has left many wondering what implications it may have for the Philippines’ sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In an exclusive interview, Justice Carpio shed light on the legal options available to the government in response to this provocative move. He explained that the Philippines can take a range of diplomatic and legal actions to assert its rights under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Justice Carpio emphasized the importance of standing firm against China’s encroachment into Philippine waters. He noted that the country’s previous failure to assert its claims has emboldened China to continue its aggressive behavior.