Philippines-China energy talks advance, 2028 deal target

The Philippine government said discussions with China on a possible joint oil and gas exploration arrangement have moved forward, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. aims to finish an agreement before his term ends in mid-2028.

Officials linked the effort to an energy-security agenda, citing volatility in international energy prices as a key concern. They said the administration is pursuing the energy track while also managing tensions in contested waters, where Manila and Beijing continue to dispute overlapping maritime claims.

Energy talks tied to price volatility and a

Energy talks tied to price volatility and a mid-2028 timeline President Marcos has set a clear timing objective Officials confirmed progress in negotiations on a joint exploration framework. President Marcos has set a clear timing objective, saying he wants the deal concluded before mid-2028. The President and officials framed the talks as a way to reduce exposure to swings in global energy markets. Government messaging also emphasized that the Philippines intends to keep economic channels with China open despite persistent maritime frictions. In describing the track, officials presented it as part of a broader attempt to support energy security while maintaining engagement with a major regional economic partner. At the same time, they acknowledged the wider context of unresolved disputes at sea.

Second Thomas Shoal resupply understanding and sovereignty limits Second Thomas Shoal resupply understanding and sovereignty limits Alongside the energy discussions Alongside the energy discussions, the administration said it has formalized a provisional understanding with Beijing covering resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal. Officials described the arrangement as a de-escalation measure intended to reduce immediate operational risks around the outpost. They also stressed limits on what the understanding represents. Philippine officials said the arrangement should not be read as a surrender of sovereignty. They rejected the idea that Philippine maritime activity would require authorization from China under the understanding. Marcos sets boundary on Philippine bases in a Taiwan scenario On security policy, President Marcos made a separate statement ruling out the use of Philippine military facilities as launch pads for United States operations in the event of a Taiwan contingency.

Officials presented the combined posture—advancing economic and energy engagement while placing guardrails around security cooperation—as an effort to prevent talks from being overtaken by regional tensions. Maritime disputes, they said, remain unresolved even as government-to-government channels continue.