The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has firmly rejected claims by supposed Chinese scholars that the Batan Islands belong to Taiwan, which China asserts as part of its territory.

The DFA labeled the assertion as 'flights of fancy' and emphasized that the Philippines’ sovereignty over Batanes is settled and not open to debate.The claim emerged from an alleged academic symposium in Guangdong, China, which argued that the islands are a natural extension of Taiwan.However, the Philippine government has dismissed these claims as part of a broader strategy by China to assert influence in the South China Sea.Defense officials warn that such unilateral assertions follow a pattern used by Beijing to legitimize its territorial ambitions.

The dispute comes amid ongoing maritime delimitation talks between the Philippines and Japan, as well as tensions over China’s aggressive activities in the West Philippine Sea.

The DFA also highlighted that the Chinese Consulate General in Laoag includes Batanes under its consular district, reinforcing Manila’s position on sovereignty.While China itself has not endorsed the scholars’ claims, Philippine officials view them as a precursor to state-level actions.

The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, with the Philippines relying on international law and historical claims to defend its territorial integrity.