A maritime security expert has cautioned against dismissing China's sovereignty claims over Batanes, linking the issue to Beijing's expanding presence in the Philippine Sea.

Ray Powell, director of SeaLight Foundation, emphasized that the Philippines' strong stance on the matter must not be downplayed, as recent academic assertions could justify China's increased maritime activities.The Philippine government has rejected the claims, urging Chinese scholars to focus on 'good faith studies' instead.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) also dismissed the assertions as lacking substantive research and based on 'evident bad faith.

' Powell highlighted that China's Coast Guard patrols east of Taiwan are tied to its sovereignty claims, suggesting these actions are part of a broader strategy to assert control over disputed waters.The NHCP further clarified that Japan cannot transfer Batanes to China, as the islands were liberated by Filipino forces in 1945.Experts warn that China's legal arguments rely on ambiguity to justify its claims, despite lacking international credibility.

The article underscores the geopolitical tensions surrounding territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the Philippines' efforts to counteract China's assertive policies.