The Philippines has rejected claims by Chinese scholars that its northernmost province of Batanes belongs to Beijing, calling the assertion “baseless” and “ludicrous” while warning that such statements raise security concerns.
According to Reuters, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the claim, which argued that Batanes was a natural extension of Taiwan and therefore part of China, appeared to reflect a broader strategic intention and should be challenged.
The remarks followed a report by Chinese state-run media outlet GDToday that scholars from institutions including Nanjing University made the assertions during a symposium on June 30. Beijing has not formally endorsed the position.
Teodoro said the claim was concerning given the ongoing tensions between Manila and Beijing over competing territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Located about 160km south of Taiwan, Batanes is strategically positioned along the Luzon Strait, a key maritime passage connecting the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The province, which has a population of around 20,000, has gained importance in regional security planning and has hosted joint military exercises involving Philippine and US forces.
The latest development adds another layer to strained Philippines-China relations, which have been marked by disputes over maritime territories and Beijing’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.
