Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. dismisses claims by Chinese academics that the northern Philippine province of Batanes is an extension of Taiwan and therefore part of China. Speaking to reporters, Teodoro says the assertions are “groundless,” adding that “we know there is no basis for this.” He also frames the claim as consistent with Manila’s view of Beijing’s broader geopolitical goals in the region. Teodoro’s comments come in response to the academic argument that ties Batanes to Taiwan, which the Philippines has long treated as part of its national territory. In his remarks, Teodoro indicates that the statement from Chinese scholars does not change the Philippine position on sovereignty over Batanes, but rather reinforces Manila’s assessment that China is seeking greater influence in surrounding maritime areas. The reporting characterizes Teodoro’s response as dismissive, describing the claim as a “joke,” while emphasizing that the defense chief does not see any credible basis for the territorial linkage being proposed by the Chinese academics.