Scholars at a June 30 meeting in Guangzhou concluded that the Batanes archipelago and nearby Babuyan Islands belong to Taiwan and thus fall under Chinese sovereignty.
A now-deleted university news release stated that scholars from institutions including the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences argued Manila’s control lacks historical and legal basis, citing territorial treaties and ethnic ties between Batanes residents and Taiwan.
The release said the discussion served China’s key strategic interests and took place against the backdrop of ongoing Japan-Philippines maritime border talks.
Beijing views Taiwan as part of China that can be reunified by force if necessary. Most countries, including the United States and the Philippines, do not recognise Taiwan as independent, though Washington opposes forcible takeover and is committed to supplying weapons.