The Philippines should rethink relations with China following reports Beijing was planning to build a radar station on Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off the coast of Zambales, Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said on Saturday. Carpio said China’s move could escalate militarization in the disputed South China Sea to back its excessive maritime claims in the region. The planned environmental monitoring station on Panatag Shoal may just be an initial step in a creeping occupation, as seen in previous Chinese incursions at Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef, he said.

Quismundo, T., & Salaverria, L. B. (2017, March 19). PH urged to rethink China ties. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A2.