Chinese academics claim Batanes belongs to China through Taiwan
Chinese academics have claimed that the Philippine province of Batanes belongs to China via Taiwan, sparking concerns about a new 'lawfare' strategy. While Beijing has not formally asserted sovereignty, the claims follow increased security cooperation between the Philippines and Japan.
Why it matters
This rhetoric signals a potential escalation in geopolitical tensions regarding maritime sovereignty in the South China Sea region.
An elderly Ivatan tribeswoman (L) wears local all-weather head gear called a "vakul" as she walks in a remote fishing village in Batanes island, the Philippines' northernmost and smallest province, 15 March 2005. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse MANILA, Philippines - Chinese academics claimed during a symposium last month that the Philippines' northernmost province of Batanes belongs to China through Taiwan, prompting maritime transparency initiative SeaLight to warn of an apparent "lawfare" campaign aimed at advancing a new legal narrative over the strategically located island province.
The framing focuses on 'lawfare' and maritime transparency, reflecting a critical perspective on Chinese academic influence.
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