Pasay city: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has dismissed claims by Chinese scholars suggesting that Batanes is part of China as "disinformation" and "outlandish narratives." Teodoro made these remarks during his speech at the National West Philippine Sea Summit, held in Pasay City, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the July 12, 2016 Arbitral Award.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DND chief described these claims as products of a society under the control of the Chinese Communist Party. He suggested that this could be China's way of signaling a preconceived intention to dominate the Pacific Ocean. Teodoro emphasized the Philippines' commitment to upholding international law and defending its maritime rights and entitlements, advocating for increased public understanding and national ownership of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Teodoro called for greater public awareness of the country's maritime entitlements, stressing the importance of integrating this knowledge into the national consciousness. He urged Filipinos to embrace the country's maritime domain as a shared national responsibility, comparing it to the nurturing and protection that define the relationship between a parent and a child.

The DND chief highlighted the necessity of preserving maritime rights and resources for future generations, advocating for significant commitments and investments. Teodoro also underscored the importance of maintaining a rules-based international order through sustained cooperation among like-minded states, collective action, and shared responsibility to address security challenges and safeguard regional stability.