Manila, Beijing resume talks on South China Sea, energy security

Philippines and China have resumed high-level talks this week over the disputed South China Sea, exploring preliminary steps toward oil and gas ​cooperation while addressing energy and fertilizer supply issues amid the ongoing ‌Middle East conflict, the Philippine foreign ministry said, Reuters reported.

The 11th round of talks under a bilateral consultation mechanism established in 2017 was the first such meeting since January 2025.

Manila "firmly reiterated its principled ​positions," raising concerns about incidents threatening Filipino personnel and fishermen, and underscoring ​the importance of diplomacy, communication, and adherence to international law, ⁠the ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

Both sides discussed initial exchanges on ​oil and gas cooperation and emphasized stable energy and fertilizer access.

The talks come ​after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency earlier this week, citing oil supply disruptions due to the Middle East conflict and announcing efforts to diversify fuel imports, ​including sourcing from China.

The talks also addressed renewable energy, agriculture, trade, and ​potential people-to-people initiatives, such as visa-free travel and direct air routes, the ministry said. The Philippines ‌added ⁠both sides "continued to make progress" to shore up confidence at sea, including communication between their coast guards.

In a separate statement, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong called for "concrete actions" from the Philippines to improve ties.

Further consultations between the countries' ​foreign ministers are planned ​for later this ⁠year.

Beijing's expansive claims over the South China Sea overlap with the exclusive economic zones of multiple Southeast Asian nations, ​including the Philippines.

Recent maritime confrontations have heightened tensions, with Manila ​accusing Beijing ⁠of "dangerous maneuvers" and deploying water cannon to interfere with its resupply missions in contested areas.

A 2016 international arbitral ruling invalidated China's claims, but Beijing has refused to ⁠acknowledge the ​decision.

The meeting also marked the first broader discussion ​on bilateral relations since March 2023, aimed at fostering maritime cooperation and confidence-building, the Philippine ministry ​said.