Philippines’ Marcos says Mid-East war may spur energy talks with China in disputed sea

Marcos is open to restarting energy talks with China in the disputed South China Sea due to the war in Iran. Read more at straitstimes.com.

MANILA – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is open to restarting talks with Beijing on a joint oil and gas project in a disputed area of the South China Sea, saying the war in Iran may provide the impetus for a breakthrough.

Mr Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2023 agreed to resume discussions on a joint oil and gas development in the waterway, which has been stalled for years.

“That’s something we’ve been talking about for a great deal, but territorial disputes are getting in the way of that,” Mr Marcos said on March 24.

“Maybe this provides impetus for both sides to come to an agreement,” he said, referring to the conflict in the Middle East. “That’s something we are exploring. Everything that might be of help, we are certainly pursuing.”

The remarks signal a possible further easing of tensions between the Philippines and China, which have ramped up after Mr Marcos took office in 2022.

Mr Marcos has bolstered military ties with the United States to help safeguard the Philippines’ claims in the South China Sea, leading to repeated clashes with Chinese ships deploying water cannons against Philippine ships and crew.