Carpio warns China may militarize Scarborough Shoal

Former senior associate justice Antonio Carpio warned that China might establish a monitoring station on Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), employing tactics similar to its past militarization of other disputed features.

Carpio indicated that China's stated intention to build a "nature reserve" on the shoal could serve as a precursor to establishing a manned monitoring station.

He drew parallels to China's previous actions, citing the transformation of a radar weather station on Fiery Cross Reef into an air and naval base.

The former justice advised the Philippines to prepare diplomatic, legal, and military responses to counter China's potential move.

Carpio was a member of the Philippine delegation during the successful 2013 arbitration case against China, which resulted in a landmark victory for Manila in 2016.