The Stratbase Institute on Tuesday dismissed claims by Chinese academics that Batanes belongs to China through Taiwan, calling the assertion "baseless" and without support in history, international law or reality.

"This assertion is, simply put, baseless. It has absolutely no basis in history, international law, or reality," Stratbase Institute President Prof. Victor Andres "Dindo" Manhit said.

Manhit said the claim appears to be part of Beijing's broader "lawfare" strategy of using legal arguments, academic forums and propaganda to legitimize territorial claims that have already been rejected by the international community.

He said the effort follows China's failure to gain international recognition of its claims in the West Philippine Sea after the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling.

"Batanes is, and has always been, an integral part of the sovereign territory of the Republic of the Philippines," Manhit said, echoing the statement of Batanes Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. that "Batanes is a province of the Republic of the Philippines. The Ivatans are Filipinos."

Manhit warned that such narratives should not be dismissed as mere academic discussions, saying they are part of a long-term effort to shape public perception and create ambiguity over Philippine sovereignty.

He urged the government to remain vigilant and respond firmly with facts and international law to counter attempts to undermine the country's sovereignty and the legal victory secured under the 2016 arbitral award.