Philippines, China Resume South China Sea Energy Talks
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- Philippines and China held the 11th round of talks under their 2017 bilateral consultation mechanism, the first meeting since January 2025.
- China discussed oil and gas cooperation, renewable energy, trade, visa‑free travel and direct air routes, and stressed stable energy and fertiliser access.
- Philippines raised concerns about incidents threatening its personnel and fishermen, citing dangerous maneuvers and water‑cannon interference in the South China Sea.
- China’s Vice‑Foreign Minister Sun Weidong urged the Philippines to take “concrete actions” to improve ties.
- Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a national energy emergency, citing Middle‑East oil supply disruptions and a plan to diversify imports, including from China.
- Philippines reported progress on confidence‑building measures at sea, such as improved coast‑guard communications.
- China plans further foreign‑minister consultations with the Philippines later this year.
Why it matters: The talks give the Philippines a diplomatic avenue to secure alternative energy supplies as it battles a national energy emergency, while China expands its export market and eases maritime frictions; improved coast‑guard communication reduces the risk of dangerous incidents at sea.
