With tensions rising over China’s claim on Sandy Cay, a territory within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, leading maritime law expert Justice Antonio Carpio sheds light on the international legal implications. As a renowned voice on the West Philippine Sea, he explains that the Philippines has every right to defend its sovereignty under international law.
According to Carpio, China’s actions in the South China Sea are not only a threat to regional security but also undermine the principles of international law. He emphasizes that the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) clearly establishes the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and its right to defend it.
Carpio’s expertise and insight provide valuable context for understanding the complex dynamics at play in the Sandy Cay dispute. As the government considers its next steps, Carpio’s analysis serves as a crucial guide for policymakers navigating the nuances of international law.