China open to talks on joint oil exploration, if…“Setting aside differences and pursuing joint development is the right path to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea and deliver benefits to countries in the region and their peoples,” a statement from the Chinese embassy read. MANILA, Philippines — China is open to restarting talks on a potential joint oil and gas exploration with the Philippines in the South China Sea, the Chinese embassy said yesterday, if there is “sincerity” in the initiative. “As stated by (Foreign Affairs) Secretary Tess Lazaro, for now there is no joint exploration with China, but it does not mean it will not happen. Lazaro said on Wednesday that talks between the Philippines and China for a possible joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea may be “forthcoming.”She said the negotiators are mindful of the pitfalls in the talks which have been stalled for years. President Marcos said in an interview with Bloomberg that he is open to restarting talks with Beijing on a joint oil and gas project.

Source: Philippine Star March 26, 2026 16:39 UTC