Tensions between the Philippines and China have increased over competing claims in the South China Sea, including a new Chinese claim concerning the Batan Islands, a Philippine province about 200 kilometers from Taiwan. Chinese scientists reportedly described the islands as a natural geographical extension of Taiwan, while the Philippine government rejected the claim and said its sovereignty over the islands was settled. The islands lie in the Luzon Strait, which military experts said could provide the Chinese navy with access to the Pacific Ocean.

The dispute has also led to a diplomatic confrontation. After Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan said China could easily win a war but preferred peace, Philippine officials viewed the remarks as a threat. Quan was summoned by the Philippine authorities, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he wanted to discuss the statement with him; that meeting had not yet taken place. The tensions come as the Philippines expands military cooperation with the United States and Japan, while China continues military activities around disputed areas in the South China Sea.