Philippines, China begin talks on oil, gas exploration

March 30, 2026 | 1:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and China discussed “initial exchanges” on a potential oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, as the two countries resumed the bilateral dialogue to manage disputes in the contested waters.

Manila and Beijing convened back-to-back the 24th Foreign Ministry Consultations and the 11th Meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea on March 27 and 28 in Quanzhou City, in China’s Fujian province.

The Philippine delegation was led by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Leo Herrera-Lim, while the Chinese delegation was headed by Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong.

The two sides explored preliminary steps toward oil and gas cooperation and emphasized the importance of stable energy and fertilizer access.

President Marcos on March 24 declared a state of national energy emergency in response to the impact of the Middle East war.

With current global uncertainties, especially Mideast developments, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines and China discussed the importance of stable access to energy and fertilizers, potential cooperation in green and renewable energy, trade and agriculture.

“Both sides continued to make progress on practical measures that are consistent with Philippine law and policy to increase confidence in the maritime domain, including coast guard to coast guard communication, ocean meteorology and initial exchanges on potential oil and gas cooperation,” the DFA said in a statement.

At the BCM, the two sides had frank and thorough exchange of views on the situation in the South China Sea where the Philippines “firmly reiterated its principled positions,” raising concerns over incidents affecting the safety of Filipino personnel and fishermen, including actions that have disrupted lawful activities and posed risks at sea.

“The Philippines emphasized the need for diplomacy and communication for managing differences at sea, and upholding international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award,” the DFA said.

The meetings will pave the way for the meeting between the two countries’ foreign ministers within the year. 

The Philippines underscored that it will continue to play a “responsible and professional role” as Association of Southeast Asian Nations chair in managing regional discussions, upholding ASEAN centrality, and reinforcing a rules-based order that contributes to regional peace and stability.