Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio called on the nation Thursday to make the Philippines’ territorial dispute with China an issue in next year’s national elections as Beijing continued to build a “a triangle of military bases” in the South China Sea. Carpio said “the triangle of military bases,” which include Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal) off Zambales province, was aimed at protecting Beijing’s outlet in Bashi Channel, an important passage for military operations between Hainan, China’s southernmost territory, and Taiwan. Speaking to members of the Rotary Club of Manila in Makati City, Carpio disclosed what he called a “long-term grand design” of China to enforce its claims in the South China Sea.

Calleja, N. P. (2015, October 2). China building triangle of bases, warns Carpio. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A19.