Former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio expressed concern over developments in Scarborough Shoal, warning that China may be following the same pattern previously seen in disputed reefs that later became heavily militarized.
Justice Carpio pointed to China’s declaration of a “marine nature reserve” in the area, comparing it to earlier activities in Subi Reef and Fiery Cross Reef.
He recalled that China initially described installations in those areas as small civilian facilities intended for weather monitoring and oceanographic research, but these later evolved into large military-capable bases with extensive infrastructure.
Key points:
- Carpio said he is “very worried” about Scarborough Shoal
- China declared a “marine nature reserve” in the area
- He compared the situation to Subi Reef and Fiery Cross Reef
- Earlier Chinese facilities were initially presented as civilian installations
- Those facilities later became militarized bases with long runways