PH, China resume talks on oil exploration, expand cooperation in South China Sea
MANILA – The Philippines and China have reopened discussions on potential oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, marking the first such engagement since negotiations were halted in 2022.
The issue was raised during the recent Bilateral Consultative Mechanism (BCM) meeting held in Fujian, China on March 28, where both sides conducted initial exchanges on possible energy cooperation.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the two countries also explored practical areas of collaboration aimed at boosting trust in the maritime domain. These include enhanced coast guard communication and cooperation in ocean meteorology.
During the talks, both parties held what the DFA described as a “frank and thorough” discussion on the situation in the South China Sea. The Philippines reiterated its position and expressed concerns over China’s actions that have disrupted lawful activities and posed risks at sea.
Manila stressed the importance of diplomacy and adherence to international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
The BCM meeting was held alongside the 24th Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC), led by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Leo Herrera-Lim and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong.
At the FMC, the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to addressing bilateral issues in line with national interest, while promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in economic and people-to-people exchanges.
Both sides also discussed ensuring stable access to energy and fertilizers, as well as exploring cooperation in renewable energy, trade, and agriculture, amid global challenges such as the Middle East crisis.
The DFA said the two countries agreed on the need to reconvene key bilateral mechanisms and improve tourism exchanges through possible visa-free arrangements, better connectivity, and new direct air routes.
The Philippines also underscored its role as this year’s chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), committing to uphold regional dialogue, ASEAN centrality, and a rules-based order.
A bilateral meeting between the two countries’ foreign ministers is expected to take place later this year following the recent discussions.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
