Retired Supreme Court Senior Justice Antonio Carpio has emphasized that President-elect Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. can maintain strong economic ties with China while still asserting the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea.
Carpio’s assertion comes amidst growing concerns about potential policy shifts in Manila’s approach to Beijing, particularly regarding territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
According to Carpio, there is no inherent contradiction between maintaining strong economic ties with China and upholding the Philippines’ claims to the West Philippine Sea. He cited the example of Taiwan, which has maintained close economic ties with China while still insisting on its sovereignty over the island.
Carpio’s clarification highlights his long-held stance on the issue, which emphasizes that friendly relations with other countries do not necessitate concessions on territorial disputes.
The Philippines, under Marcos Jr.’s administration, will face significant diplomatic and strategic challenges in navigating its relationship with China, particularly given Beijing’s assertive claims to the South China Sea.