Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stated that joint offshore oil and gas exploration between Manila and Beijing remains a "distinct possibility" before his term concludes in 2028. Despite escalating tensions in the South China Sea, Marcos indicated that the two nations are making progress in energy negotiations, driven in part by global energy security concerns.
Speaking at a foreign media luncheon in Manila on Friday, Marcos highlighted that the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran war has underscored the urgent need for the Philippines to bolster its domestic energy security. He emphasized that the country must explore all available avenues to secure additional oil and gas supplies, both within the West Philippine Sea and elsewhere.
This push for energy security follows a national energy emergency declared by Marcos in March, which was triggered by fuel price spikes after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. At the time, Marcos noted that Middle East conflicts and subsequent oil supply shocks could serve as an impetus for Manila and Beijing to reach an agreement after years of friction in disputed waters. Following those comments, diplomats from both countries held initial exchanges in late March to discuss both energy cooperation and the management of their maritime disputes.
The path to any joint agreement remains complex. Marcos' predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, terminated energy exploration talks with China in mid-2022. At the time, then-Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin explained that the discussions had reached the constitutional limit of what was legally permissible. Although Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to resume talks during a state visit to Beijing in early 2023, progress has been heavily hindered by ongoing maritime confrontations.
Under Marcos, the Philippines has actively challenged Chinese activities in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Manila has strengthened its security alliance with the United States and enacted a "transparency" policy to publicize aggressive maneuvers by the China Coast Guard. These tensions peaked on July 20 during a physical clash at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, where a Philippine military outpost is maintained on the grounded warship BRP Sierra Madre. During the incident, a Philippine personnel member suffered a head injury from a baton strike by Chinese coast guard personnel. Beijing denied the allegations, accusing Manila of ramming its vessel and spreading false propaganda. This clash was followed by two separate confrontations at Scarborough Shoal.
The recent disputes are closely tied to the 10th anniversary of the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling in The Hague, which invalidated China's expansive "nine-dash line" claim over the South China Sea. The ruling also affirmed that Second Thomas Shoal lies within the Philippine EEZ and continental shelf—a decision that Beijing continues to reject as null and void.
Furthermore, any final energy agreement must navigate strict domestic legal boundaries. The Philippine Constitution mandates that the exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources must remain under the state's full control and can only be undertaken by the state itself or by corporations that are at least 60 percent Filipino-owned. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has reiterated that any joint energy exploration with China will strictly comply with the country's constitution, laws, and sovereign prerogatives.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. takes part in a luncheon with foreign journalists in Manila, Philippines, Aug. 14, 2026.
You have reached the limit of 2 free articles this month.
Related Articles
Meet Md. Rubel Rana
​As a core contributor to Worlddincidents.com, Rubel Rana brings a unique perspective to the world of journalism. Whether it’s deep-diving into historical trivia or covering the latest global headlines, Rubel Rana is committed to delivering high-quality, high-impact articles. Their writing blends meticulous research with a compelling voice, helping readers stay informed and curious about the world around them.