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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Talks with China on possible joint oil exploration deal possibly 'forthcoming' — DFA

Talks with China on possible joint oil exploration deal possibly 'forthcoming' — DFA

Published Mar 25, 2026 11:35 am
The Philippines has not yet restarted its talks on possible joint oil exploration with China, although it may be "forthcoming," especially amid the looming oil crisis brought by the Middle East conflict.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro made the pronouncement on Wednesday, March 25, after President Marcos floated the idea of reviving a joint oil exploration deal with Beijing.
Marcos in an interview said the tension involving Iran "maybe should provide impetus for both sides to come to an agreement."
At the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel, Lazaro said no talks have been restarted "at this point in time" yet, but she "think[s] it will be forthcoming."
"Hindi naman yan bago (That's not new), there have been discussions in the past, many tries," Lazaro said, clarifying implications that there is a revival of talks with China.
"Kaya lang nagkakaroon ng onting hindi pagkakaintindihan (But there were only some misunderstandings in the past) on the finer points of the discussions. There are many issues, like possible constitutional issues. So if ever it comes to the point na (that) there would be discussions we'd see how," she added.
In 2023, President Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping talked about possibly resuming oil and gas development "at an early date," although the Supreme Court already declared unconstitutional the existing 2005 tripartite deal among China, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
By that time, the DFA said they were "still in the process of setting the parameters that will guide any future oil and gas talks."

Russian oil

Meanwhile, Lazaro also confirmed that the Philippine Embassy in Washington is working with the US State Department "to secure waivers or rather lift" its sanctions on Russian oil to meet the country's energy needs.
Lazaro said the US lifting of sanctions is not as "sweeping."
"Kung ano po ang mga usapan, I think wala. We've been trying to, dumarating pa lang kasi at the same time (I don't have any idea what the discussions are so far. We're still awaiting what's yet to come)," she said.
"Ang alam ko lang is (What I know so far is)... is to ensure that delivery that has been committed in the past will continue and ma-ideliver (to be delivered). And second is ano pa ang maibibigay nila, how many more, how much ang volume na maibibigay nila (how much volume there will be)," she added.
Lazaro said the DFA is only helping the Department of Energy (DOE) look for possible oil sources and coordinate its requests.

Related Tags

oil exploration China President Marcos DFA PH-China Ma. Theresa Lazaro
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