China open to talks on joint oil exploration, if…

MANILA, Philippines — China is open to restarting talks on a potential joint oil and gas exploration with the Philippines in the South China Sea, the Chinese embassy said yesterday, if there is “sincerity” in the initiative.

“Setting aside differences and pursuing joint development is the right path to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea and deliver benefits to countries in the region and their peoples,” a statement from the Chinese embassy read.

It said China and the Philippines have conducted in-depth discussions on joint oil and gas development in the South China Sea and have made “positive progress.”

“As long as the Philippine side demonstrates sincerity, China’s door to dialogue and cooperation will remain open,” it added.

Reacting to China’s statement, Malacañang said the Philippines has always been “sincere” in its engagements and negotiations.

“We do not have a secret deal. Whatever will be the output of the negotiation, if it is good for the country, it won’t be opposed by the President,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a press briefing yesterday.

“As stated by (Foreign Affairs) Secretary Tess Lazaro, for now there is no joint exploration with China, but it does not mean it will not happen. So the Philippines is also open,” she added.

Lazaro said on Wednesday that talks between the Philippines and China for a possible joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea may be “forthcoming.”

She said the negotiators are mindful of the pitfalls in the talks which have been stalled for years.

President Marcos said in an interview with Bloomberg that he  is open to restarting talks with Beijing on a joint oil and gas project.

Former foreign affairs chief Teodoro Locsin Jr. announced in June 2022 that the Philippines had terminated completely the discussions on joint energy exploration between Manila and Beijing, citing constitutional constraints and concerns over sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. has called for greater cross-regional security cooperation between European and Asia nations at the 2026 Paris Defense and Strategy Forum.

He also lashed out at China for violating international maritime laws. “ — Michael Punongbayan