MARCH 29, 2026 – The Philippines and China have resumed discussions on a potential oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, almost four years since previous talks were halted in 2022. The matter was raised during the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultative Mechanism (BCM) on South China Sea meeting held in Fujian, China, on March 28.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) shared that both countries looked at the progress made in other areas of cooperation in order to “increase confidence in maritime domain.” This includes ocean meteorology and coast guard-to-coast guard communication.
PH and China Discuss Oil and Gas Exploration in SCS
According to the DFA, both sides had “frank and thorough exchange of views” regarding the situation in the South China Sea, the Philippine News Agency reported. During the discussion, the Philippines “firmly reiterated” its position and brought up concerns related to China’s 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 stated.
The BCM was held back to back with the 24th China-Philippines Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC). Both meetings were led by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Leo Herrera-Lim and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong.
During the FMC, the Philippines affirmed that it would handle all bilateral issues in line with the country’s national interest, “while advancing mutually beneficial cooperation especially in the economic and people-to-people areas.”
Moreover, the two countries talked about the need to strengthen access to energy and fertilizers, along with possible cooperation in green and renewable energy, trade, and agriculture — amid current global developments, including the Middle East crisis. Also mentioned was the need to improve two-way tourism through visa-free arrangements, potential new direct air routes, and enhanced connectivity.
Ultimately, the DFA shared that both countries identified the reconvening of bilateral mechanisms as a necessary step. Consequently, the Philippines and China are set to convene a bilateral foreign ministers’ meeting “within the year.”
Notably, these latest meetings go in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which is “to pursue dialogue and diplomacy with China in line with Philippine national interest, while protecting the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.”