China reaffirms commitment to joint oil, gas development with PH

China's position on joint development of oil and gas with the Philippines remains unchanged, according to its embassy in Manila.

The Chinese Embassy issued the statement in response to a suggestion by former Energy undersectary Eduardo Mañalac for an independent oil and gas exploration by the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea. 

"Our position on joint development of oil and gas with the Philippines remains," the Chinese Embassy said.

In an online forum organized by the National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea, Mañalac stressed the importance of showcasing the Philippines' capability to explore the West Philippine Sea. 

"The Philippines can and will explore the West Philippine Sea through a capable and well-organized national company that can do the job for us," he said.

This echoed the stands of National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), who have previously expressed their goal of establishing a gas field in the West Philippine Sea similar to the successful Malampaya Gas Field.

Addressing concerns of potential interference from China, retired US Naval Captain and international defense and security analyst Carl Schuster highlighted the challenge of managing such situations. 

"The challenge will be how China interferes; one of the things they will do is military interference," Schuster said in the same forum.

The Chinese Embassy, in response, said it does not comment on opinions from so-called experts. It further urged relevant countries to avoid irresponsible actions and respect regional efforts to preserve peace and stability in the South China Sea.

In November 2018, the Philippines and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish an intergovernmental joint steering committee for potential energy cooperation. 

The MOU also outlined the inclusion of representatives from authorized enterprises in working groups from each country.

However, during the last months of the Duterte administration in 2022, the Philippines terminated discussions with China, citing constitutional constraints and sovereignty issues.

Recent research indicates that the West Philippine Sea, particularly the area near Reed Bank, boasts of abundant natural resources such as oil and gas. This bodes well for both the Philippines and potential future collaborations in the region. —KBK, GMA Integrated News