Battle of narratives

Wars are no longer fought only with ships, missiles and soldiers. They are increasingly waged through ideas, legal theories and carefully crafted historical narratives. The recent symposium in Guangzhou, where Chinese academics argued that Batanes belongs to China through Taiwan, should therefore not be dismissed as an obscure academic exercise.

According to a report published by Jinan University and cited by Guangdong-based news outlet Newsgd, participants claimed that the Philippines has no historical or legal basis for administering Batanes. They described the island province as a natural geographical extension of Taiwan and asserted that sovereignty therefore belongs to China. They also questioned the validity of maritime discussions involving Japan and the Philippines.

It is significant that neither the symposium report nor official statements from Beijing indicate that the Chinese government has formally asserted sovereignty over Batanes. That distinction matters. Academic discourse does not automatically constitute state policy.

Yet it would be equally naïve to ignore the warning raised by SeaLight, a maritime transparency initiative of Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation. SeaLight believes the symposium bears the hallmarks of “lawfare”—the use of legal arguments, historical interpretations and scholarly publications to gradually reinforce territorial claims without making an explicit diplomatic declaration.

Whether or not that assessment ultimately proves correct, the Philippines cannot afford complacency. Territorial disputes are often preceded by years of narrative-building designed to normalize claims before they appear in official policy. Public opinion, both domestic and international, can be shaped long before governments act.

The timing of the symposium, shortly after the Japan-Philippines summit reaffirmed closer maritime and security cooperation, further invites scrutiny. Combined with reports of increased Chinese patrols near the Bashi Channel, the academic discussions inevitably acquire strategic significance, even if unofficial.

The proper response is neither alarmism nor indifference. The Philippine governmentmust continue strengthening its historical research, legal scholarship and diplomatic engagement while reinforcing its presence in Batanes. Sovereignty is defended not only by coast guards and armed forces but also by facts, law and consistent state policy. 

In today’s geopolitical landscape, the battle for territory often begins with the battle for the narrative.