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Island militarization fuels unease amid China-Taiwan strains

Rik Glauert
November 6, 2025

Batanes, a small island in northern Philippines, is bracing for potential fallout alongside its US defense ally. But many residents worry that militarizing their fishing community could place them in the crossfire of tensions between Taiwan and China.

https://p.dw.com/p/53Als

Sitting just south of Taiwan on a strategic arc of territory, Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines, is gaining importance as China–Taiwan tensions rise.

Once a quiet fishing and tourism community, Batanes now fears conflict could reach its shores. Officials are preparing evacuations, stockpiling supplies and hosting US military exercises.

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