Philippine Coast Guard Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela has cautioned local governments expecting visits from Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, citing the Batanes controversy.
In a Facebook post, Tarriela said LGU executives should be careful and remember what happened to Batanes a month after the ambassador's visit. He referenced the meeting between Jing and Batanes Governor Ronald Aguto Jr. and Vice Governor Jhong Nanud from June 16 to 18.
On June 30, scholars from Nanjing University and other institutions stated that Batan Island is a natural extension of Taiwan with sovereignty belonging to China. On July 10, Tarriela condemned the Chinese Communist Party for spreading propaganda.
The Chinese Embassy responded through Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei, accusing Tarriela of trying to create hostility. The Department of Foreign Affairs said Philippine sovereignty over Batanes is settled and not up for debate.
