Philippines, China Resume South China Sea Talks, Eye Oil Cooperation

The Philippines and China resumed high-level diplomatic talks in Quanzhou, China, on March 27 and 28, conducting candid discussions on territorial disputes in the South China Sea while exploring initial steps toward oil and gas cooperation amid global energy supply disruptions.

The meetings, the first formal bilateral consultations on the South China Sea since January 2025, involved the 24th Foreign Ministry Consultations and the 11th session of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism. Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Leo Herrera-Lim led Manila's delegation, while Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong headed Beijing's side. According to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, both nations exchanged views on maritime issues, with the Philippines firmly reiterating its positions and raising concerns over recent incidents that endangered Filipino personnel and fishermen, including actions that disrupted lawful activities and posed risks at sea.

The talks addressed ongoing tensions in the disputed waterway, known as the West Philippine Sea to the Philippines. Manila emphasized the importance of diplomacy, communication, and adherence to international law,...