The push for joint energy exploration between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) met fierce opposition from a think tank, citing Beijing's long history of maritime aggression against Filipinos.

The Stratbase Institute, an independent international think-tank and research organization, argued that entering into such an agreement would compromise the country’s territorial integrity and legal standing.

“China has repeatedly demonstrated that it is neither a reliable partner nor a responsible actor,” it said in a statement on Sunday, April 5.

The group pointed to incidents where Beijing’s forces “damaged Philippine assets and endangered the lives of Filipino uniformed personnel and civilians.”

The confrontations were viewed as part of a “sustained effort” by China to assert unlawful control over Philippine waters, it said.

“Any discussion of joint energy exploration must be firmly anchored in international law, particularly the 2016 Arbitral Award,” the Stratbase Institute noted, referring to a landmark ruling issued by a tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands which invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea.

“This landmark ruling unequivocally affirms the Philippines’ exclusive sovereign rights to explore and exploit natural resources within its exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea. These rights are non-negotiable. All resources must remain under full Philippine ownership, control, and supervision. Any arrangement that creates ambiguity or undermines these rights is unacceptable,” it added.

Earlier, President Marcos Jr. said rising tensions in the Middle East could push the Philippines and China toward a deal on joint oil and gas exploration in the WPS.

China has figured in repeated confrontations with Philippine vessels and Filipino fishermen in the WPS, which escalated tensions and prompted diplomatic protests from Manila.

For this reason, the Stratbase Institute warned that entering into a deal with China could expose the country to risk.

“China’s continued refusal to recognize and comply with the arbitral ruling further underscores its lack of credibility. A state that persistently disregards international law and violates Philippine sovereign rights cannot be expected to honor any agreement,” it said.

“Entering into such a partnership would expose the country to unnecessary risk,” it added.

Energy security remains a concern as the Malampaya gas field nears depletion and the national government has been exploring alternatives to ensure a stable supply.

But the Stratbase Institute stressed that sovereignty should not be compromised in addressing this concern.

“Energy security must never come at the expense of sovereignty. No crisis should be used to justify compromising the Philippines’ legal position or ignoring the lived realities of Filipino fisherfolk and frontliners who continue to bear the consequences of China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea,” it said.

Last month, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also expressed worry about a possible joint exploration between Manila and Beijing.

AFP spokesperson for WPS Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said the military would continue to perform its mandate of patrolling the country’s seas to secure its sovereignty and sovereign rights, “bearing in mind that the Chinese Communist Party is not a reliable partner on the negotiating table.”