CHINA’S BATANES CLAIMS DRAW STRONG REBUTTAL FROM DND, PCG

The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) strongly rejected China’s claims challenging Philippine sovereignty over Batanes.

DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong described the claims as “state-sponsored propaganda” and said Batanes has never been part of China.

PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela also dismissed the assertions, citing the province’s long history of Philippine administration and continuous exercise of state authority.

Tarriela said the 2016 arbitral ruling also rejected historical fishing as a basis for sovereignty and dismissed China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.

The Philippine defense officials warned that the renewed claims could be part of a broader information strategy aimed at creating a pretext for future expansion.

Source: PhilNews24 | September 6, 2026