Following bilateral meetings in Quanzhou on March 27-28, the Philippines and China advanced practical measures in the South China Sea, including initial exchanges on oil and gas exploration, amid efforts to manage disputes and boost confidence-building. The talks, previewed amid global energy concerns, pave the way for higher-level discussions later this year.
The 24th Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations and 11th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea took place in Quanzhou City, Fujian province, China. Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Leo Herrera-Lim led the delegation, opposite China's Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) highlighted progress on measures aligned with Philippine law, such as coast guard communications, ocean meteorology, and initial discussions on oil and gas cooperation. This builds on earlier context from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s calls for a bilateral reset and joint exploration in areas like Recto Bank, spurred by the global oil crisis.
Talks also covered stable energy and fertilizer access amid Middle East uncertainties, plus potential ties in green energy, trade, and agriculture. At the BCM, the Philippines candidly addressed South China Sea tensions, reiterating adherence to the 1982 UNCLOS and 2016 Arbitral Award, and voicing concerns over incidents affecting Filipino personnel and fishermen.
These engagements reinforce diplomacy for regional stability, especially as the Philippines chairs ASEAN in 2026. They follow recent bilateral sideline talks in Cebu and aim toward a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea.
