Former Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio warned that the presence of Chinese vessels at Julian Felipe Reef should be a cause of concern as it may prelude to occupation and building of a naval base. The Chinese militia vessels according to Carpio, should not be allowed to park on Julian Felipe Reef “because that is not their exclusive economic zone.” “I’m particularly worried that they will now start claiming, building on the Julian Felipe Reef,” Carpio told ABS-CBN News Channel’s Headstart on Wednesday.

Co, A. S. (2021, March 25). Carpio: Chinese ships in PH's reef could be a 'prelude' to occupation. Panay News, p. 5.