South China Sea Reset? Manila and Beijing Reopen Oil Talks

The Philippines and China are talking again about possible oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, reopening a sensitive issue that had been frozen since earlier negotiations were terminated in 2022. The fresh contact happened during the Bilateral Consultative Mechanism meeting held in Fujian on March 28.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, both sides had what it described as a frank and thorough exchange on conditions in the South China Sea. Manila used the meeting to repeat its concerns over Chinese actions that it said had disrupted lawful Philippine activities and created risks at sea.

The Philippine side also stressed that diplomacy and direct communication are still necessary in handling disputes, while insisting that international law must stay at the center of any discussion. The DFA specifically cited the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 arbitral award in laying out Manila’s position.

Beyond the maritime dispute, the two governments also discussed energy security, fertilizer access, green energy, trade, and agriculture, with global instability in the Middle East adding pressure to find more stable supply arrangements. The DFA said reopening the proper bilateral mechanisms was a needed first step before any formal negotiations could move forward again.

In short, hindi pa ito deal, but it is a clear signal that both sides are testing whether practical cooperation can restart even while tensions remain. The DFA said the Philippines and China are expected to hold a bilateral foreign ministers’ meeting within the year, which could show whether these talks will actually go somewhere.

Source: The Manila Times