Renowned international law expert and former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has expressed concerns over the increasing presence of Chinese Coast Guard vessels in the disputed waters of Bajo de Masinloc. According to Carpio, China is revisiting its past strategy of using maritime militias to assert its claims in the South China Sea.
The Philippine Navy recently confirmed that one of the four Chinese Coast Guard ships was spotted approaching Zambales. Carpio pointed out that this development is alarming, as it indicates a potential escalation of China’s military presence in the region.
Carpio emphasized that the international community must remain vigilant and take collective action to prevent any further militarization of disputed territories. He warned that if left unchecked, China’s aggressive actions could lead to a destabilization of the entire South China Sea.