As the Philippines marks the 9th anniversary of its landmark arbitral win against China, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio emphasizes that Beijing’s assertion of a nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea is untenable. In an exclusive interview with ANC’s Karen Davila on Headstart, Carpio underscores the significance of the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, which invalidated key aspects of China’s maritime claims.
Carpio explains that the arbitral win restricts China’s ability to enforce its nine-dash line claim, a position reinforced by international law. He highlights the importance of promoting a rules-based order in the South China Sea, as well as enhancing regional cooperation to protect national sovereignty and prevent further conflict.