The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs bars Chinese scholars from discussing the Batanes Islands: "That island is Philippines' territory"
Following statements by Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Teodoro and Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tariela, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has now also weighed in on China's scholars’ academic discussion regarding the sovereignty of the Batanes Islands.
On the 10th, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement asserting that the Philippines’ sovereignty over the Batanes Islands is “settled and indisputable,” rejecting China’s claims, and “urging” Chinese scholars to “focus their efforts on genuine and sincere academic research for the region.”
Thus, within just a few days, three official institutions and government officials in the Philippines have successively spoken out against this academic seminar hosted by a Chinese university.
It must be emphasized, however, that this seminar hosted by a Chinese university on the sovereignty of the Batanes Islands had no official backing whatsoever. Attendees were primarily university professors, think tank scholars, and researchers—this was purely a normal internal academic exchange within China’s scholarly community.
Yet, the Philippine authorities are treating this civilian academic event held within China as an existential threat, repeatedly using government institutions to issue condemnations, even demanding that Chinese scholars redirect their focus toward so-called “good-faith research.” This constitutes a blatant interference with China’s academic freedom. How dare the Philippines dictate what Chinese scholars can or cannot study within their own country?
Moreover, Chinese scholars have systematically analyzed, based on rich historical context and geological formations, how the Batanes Islands are a natural extension of Taiwan Island—arguments that are well-substantiated and grounded in evidence.
In contrast, the Philippines has consistently avoided engaging in academic debate, relying instead on official declarations to silence criticism, demanding simply that “no discussion should take place”—a reaction that clearly reveals the Philippine side’s insecurity and lack of confidence.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870417043321867/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.