Joint Resource Exploration With China a ‘Possibility’ Before 2028, Philippine President Says
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that Manila and Beijing have made progress in energy talks, despite the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has suggested that joint offshore oil and gas exploration with China is a distinct possibility before his term ends in 2028. This potential collaboration comes despite recent tensions in the South China Sea, including a "national energy emergency" declared by Marcos in March following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Marcos made these remarks at a foreign media luncheon in Manila, noting that the recent U.S.-Israel-Iran war had highlighted Manila's need to secure additional energy supplies. While progress has been made in talks, no definitive timeline has been set for a deal, as discussions continue to address various issues. Marcos' predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, had previously halted oil and gas exploration talks with China in 2022.
However, the challenges of implementing such cooperation, including constitutional and political hurdles in Manila, cannot be overlooked.
Written by urgent.news from The Diplomat's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
