Philippines’ Teodoro Slams Batanes Claim — Is China Redrawing the First Island Chain?
Chinese scholars assert sovereignty over the Philippines’ Batanes Islands as Beijing extends its maritime jurisdiction across the First Island Chain near Taiwan and Japan. At the same time, Chinese coast guard vessels are conducting increasingly assertive "law enforcement" operations, prompting fears that Beijing is attempting to normalize a new status quo below the threshold of armed conflict. Taiwan, meanwhile, is stepping up preparations for blockade and quarantine scenarios, while regional partners closely monitor China's growing maritime presence. Is Beijing entering a new phase of gray-zone coercion? In this episode, we examine China's evolving strategy, the strategic importance of the Batanes Islands and how Taiwan and its regional partners are seeking to deter a conflict in the Indo-Pacific. *Recorded on July 9, 2026 at 4:50pm Taiwan Standard Time Host/Senior Producer: Yin Khvat Producer: Suvam Pal Planner: Miguel Yang Our guests: Priyanka Chaturvedi - Former Indian Rajya Sabha (Upper House) Member of Parliament Aries Arugay - University of the Philippines Diliman Political Science Professor
