DFA Shoots Down Claims of Chinese Scholars on Batanes Sovereignty

The single sharpest fact is that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has dismissed claims by Chinese scholars that Batanes, a province in the Philippines, belongs to China through Taiwan.

The DFA made this clear in a statement on July 10, saying 'Flights of fancy should not be dignified with a response.' Instead, they emphasized that the Philippines' sovereignty over Batanes is not up for debate.

But who are these Chinese scholars, and what makes their claims so bold? The news report by Guangdong-based media Newsgd cited Chinese scholars from different Chinese universities as 'unanimously' concluding that the 'Batan Islands constitute a natural geographical extension of Taiwan, with sovereignty belonging to China.'

It's worth noting that the DFA has been vocal about its stance on sovereignty in the region. In a previous statement, Analyn Ratonel, the DFA spokesperson, said that the Philippines will not entertain revisionist claims over its territory.

In a separate statement, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. dismissed the claims as 'disinformation' and 'outlandish narratives.'

To back up their claim, the DFA pointed to the fact that the Philippine-approved Consular district of the Chinese Consulate General in Laoag includes the Philippine province of Batanes. This suggests that the Philippines has already recognized the sovereignty of Batanes, making any claims by China or its allies invalid.

Batanes is a group of islands located at the northernmost tip of the Philippines, with a population of around 30,000 people. The province is known for its unique culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history.

Given the DFA's strong stance on the issue, it's unlikely that China or its allies will push the matter further. The DFA has made it clear that they will not compromise on the sovereignty of the Philippines, and that any claims to the contrary are nothing short of disinformation.

'Flights of fancy should not be dignified with a response. Nevertheless, the Philippines' sovereignty over Batanes is settled and not up for debate.'

• Analyn Ratonel, DFA spokesperson.