The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has refuted assertions that China's narrative claiming ownership of Batanes is merely an "isolated academic opinion," emphasizing its connection to the Chinese Communist Party's broader territorial ambitions.
AFP Spokesperson Warns Against Chinese Narrative
In an exclusive interview with Bombo Radyo, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the AFP Special Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, stressed that such narratives are not new and are part of China's ongoing efforts to assert claims over Philippine territory. He described the narrative as a form of "malign influence" that the foreign nation has historically employed.
"This is not just an isolated academic opinion. It is connected to the communist party of the foreign country," Trinidad said. He urged Filipinos to remain vigilant and united against these misleading claims.
Initial Step in a Larger Plan
Trinidad believes that the latest narrative is only an initial step in a larger plan by China. He warned that early action is necessary to counter such moves, which he described as part of a pattern of malign influence. The AFP official called on the public to be aware and to oppose false narratives about the country's territory.
The Philippines has long asserted sovereignty over Batanes, a group of islands in the northernmost part of the country, and over the West Philippine Sea, parts of which are disputed with China.
