MANILA, Philippines — The presence of Chinese vessels at a reef in the West Philippine Sea could be a “prelude” of China’s occupation, retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said Wednesday.
He was referring to the presence of 220 Chinese vessels believed to be “manned by Chinese maritime militia personnel” at the Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef.
Carpio said China could be repeating its actions during its takeover over the Mischief Reef in 1995 where China started by building shelters for fishermen on the reef until eventually claiming it and turning it into a naval base.
“We are worried, I am particularly worried they can now start claiming, build…
Keep on reading: Carpio: Chinese ships in West PH Sea reef could be a ‘prelude’ to occupation