The Philippines has said any oil and gas agreements with China or other countries must be made strictly in line with its Constitution and in full respect of its sovereignty. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued a statement on 12 April 2026, clarifying that any decision to pursue, structure, or conclude an energy‑cooperation deal with China will be anchored solely in Philippine laws, jurisprudence, and regulations, and will not compromise the country’s sovereign prerogatives. The remarks come amid renewed public discussion about the possibility of reviving energy‑exploration talks with Beijing in the South China Sea.
The DFA noted that Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stressed the need to explore “all lawful and viable options” to strengthen the country’s energy security amid global uncertainties linked to the Middle East conflict. At the same time, the government has underscored that it continues to exercise full sovereign rights over natural resources within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, including any oil and gas deposits that may be found in the maritime area regarded in Manila as the West Philippine Sea. The statement reaffirms that any joint venture or agreement, including with foreign partners, will be implemented without prejudicing the Philippines’ legal position in the dispute with China.
In late March, the Philippines and China had resumed talks on the South China Sea, including preliminary discussions on potential oil and gas cooperation and energy‑supply arrangements. The Philippine government has said that energy‑related negotiations are being treated separately from broader maritime disputes, although critics in the country have warned that any joint‑exploration deal could risk diluting Manila’s claims or be used by Beijing to cement its presence in contested waters. The DFA’s latest assurance is aimed at calming domestic concerns that Philippine sovereignty might be bargained away in the name of energy‑cooperation projects with China.
The Philippines has also made clear that its economic and trade ties with China will remain distinct from sensitive security and sovereignty‑related negotiations, including those affecting the South China Sea. Open‑source records on 12 April 2026 show that the DFA’s statement was circulated through official channels and local media‑style platforms, reiterating that the country will not enter into any energy‑related agreement that does not “uphold, protect, and assert” its sovereign rights.
Key highlights
Philippines says any energy deals with China must fully respect its sovereignty.
DFA says oil and gas agreements will follow the Philippine Constitution and laws.
Government affirms full rights over natural resources in its EEZ and continental shelf.
Talks with China include possible oil and gas cooperation in the South China Sea.
Manila separates energy deals from broader maritime‑dispute stance with China.
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