Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino has strongly rejected claims by Chinese academics asserting that the Batanes Islands belong to China through Taiwan.

The Chinese academics, in a report by Jinan University and Newsgf, described Batanes as a 'natural geographical extension' of Taiwan, arguing its sovereignty belongs to China.

Tolentino emphasized that Batanes is an integral part of the Philippines, stressing that sovereignty is proven through effective governance and historical claims.

He cited the 1935 Constitution, which fixed Batanes' northern boundary at 21° 25' North, anchored by the 1898 Treaty of Paris and other historical agreements.Tolentino also highlighted Spain's formal attachment of the islands to the Philippine Archipelago in 1783.

The Labor Secretary, who authored key maritime laws, warned against 'revisionist interpretations' that could compromise the Philippines' territorial integrity.The Chinese government has previously barred Tolentino from entering mainland China due to his stance on the West Philippine Sea disputes.

Tolentino's defense underscores the Philippines' legal and historical claims over the region, countering external assertions that challenge national sovereignty.