The Philippines and China have officially reopened talks on joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, nearly four years after negotiations were halted in 2022. The discussions took place during high-level meetings in Quanzhou, Fujian province, on March 27–28, 2026, signaling renewed cooperation despite ongoing maritime tensions.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that both sides held “initial exchanges” on possible energy cooperation during the 24th Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) and the 11th Bilateral Consultative Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea. The Philippine delegation was led by Foreign Undersecretary Leo Herrera-Lim, while Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong headed Beijing’s team.

According to the DFA, the talks were “candid and productive,” covering not only oil and gas exploration but also broader strategic, political, and security issues. Both countries acknowledged progress in other areas of cooperation, including energy and fertilizer access, which are vital for regional stability.

The reopening of talks marks a significant reset in bilateral relations. Manila and Beijing had previously suspended negotiations in 2022 due to constitutional and sovereignty concerns raised by the Philippine government. The renewed dialogue reflects a pragmatic approach to managing disputes while addressing the country’s growing energy needs.

For the Philippines, joint exploration could help secure stable energy supplies and reduce reliance on imported fuel. For China, it represents an opportunity to ease tensions in contested waters while pursuing shared economic interests. However, experts caution that sovereignty issues remain sensitive, and any agreement must comply with Philippine constitutional requirements.

The discussions come at a time when global energy markets are volatile, and regional security in the South China Sea remains a pressing concern. Analysts note that while the talks are a positive step, the path toward a binding agreement will require careful negotiation to balance economic cooperation with national interests.