The Philippines and China held meetings in Quanzhou on March 27 and 28 to discuss bilateral issues, including maritime concerns and potential cooperation on oil and gas exploration, as a prelude to a foreign ministers’ meeting expected later this year.
Maritime Discussions and Cooperation
The discussions centered on “practical measures that are consistent with Philippine law and policy to increase confidence in the maritime domain,” according to a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Initial exchanges also took place regarding potential oil and gas cooperation.
The meetings included the 24th Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) and the 11th Meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea. The FMC was the first since a meeting in Manila in March 2023, and the BCM the first since January 2025 in Xiamen.
The Philippine delegation was led by DFA Undersecretary Leo Herrera-Lim, while China’s delegation was headed by Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong.
Concerns and International Law
During the BCM, the Philippines raised concerns over incidents affecting the safety of Filipino personnel and fishermen, including actions that disrupted lawful activities and posed risks at sea. The Philippines emphasized the importance of diplomacy, communication, and upholding international law, specifically the 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
Beijing does not recognize the 2016 Arbitral Award, which affirmed the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea and invalidated China’s historical claims in the region.
Progress and Future Cooperation
Both countries reportedly made progress on discussions related to coast guard communication, ocean meteorology, and potential oil and gas cooperation. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently suggested that the current geopolitical situation could spur joint gas exploration efforts.
Discussions also covered stable access to energy and fertilizers, cooperation in green and renewable energy, trade, and agriculture. The reconvening of relevant bilateral mechanisms was identified as a necessary step.
The two nations also highlighted the importance of people-to-people exchanges and tourism, including visa-free arrangements, enhanced connectivity, and potential new direct air routes. Manila has recently implemented visa-free entry for Chinese nationals through select airports.
The Philippines affirmed its commitment to playing a responsible role as ASEAN Chair, upholding ASEAN centrality, and reinforcing a rules-based order to promote regional peace and stability.
These meetings represent a warming of bilateral ties between China and the Philippines, following a period of tension related to the South China Sea. Several features in the West Philippine Sea remain points of contention, including Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, Scarborough Shoal, Sabina Shoal, and Pag-asa Island.
Recent incidents, such as a Chinese naval ship’s maneuvers near the BRP Benguet on March 25, continue to raise concerns. A provisional arrangement has been in place since 2024 for Philippine resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, following previous harassment from the Chinese Coast Guard.
Chinese harassment of Filipino vessels, including the use of water cannons, persists in various parts of the West Philippine Sea.
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