While posing provocative actions regarding the South China Sea issue, the Philippines is also sending signals of economic cooperation with China.
According to Reuters, Marcos said during an event with foreign journalists in Manila on August 14 that there are many cases of cooperation between China and the Philippines. After the Middle East conflict erupted this year, the two countries have started cooperation in the field of energy supply.
"I do not believe there are any policies or statements that say we are distancing ourselves from China." Marco said. "We are still looking for many areas where we can work with China. China remains one of the Philippines' top sources of investment."
August 14th, Manila, Philippines. Philippine President Marcos answered questions at a lunch for foreign journalists. Visual China
Marcos emphasized the potential for economic cooperation between the two countries. He stated that the Philippines needs to ensure energy supply security, as there are natural gas resources near the coast that can be developed.
Speaking of joint exploration, Marcos said that both parties “must find new ways.” The discussions have received more attention recently. “For now, I think we have made progress.”
"My feeling is that all relevant parties hope for its success, which has always been a very good sign." He said.
The report also mentioned that in recent years, Sino-Filipino relations have been tense due to the South China Sea issue. Since the beginning of this year, there have been several maritime conflicts between the two sides. In June, China also announced sanctions against Filipino Defense Minister Teodoro.
This time, Marcos still insists on his stance regarding the South China Sea issue. He claims that there are no “special arrangements” required by the Philippines to obtain prior approval from China in matters such as maritime supply operations, and that the Philippines will not give up its so-called “rights”.
In July 2024, the Chinese side reached temporary arrangements with the Filipino side regarding the transportation and supply of humanitarian supplies to Renai Reef, based on three principles.
China emphasizes that, first, the Philippines has been stationing military ships on Ren'ai Reef for an extended period, which violates China's sovereignty and the Declaration on Measures to Address Disputes in the South China Sea. China still demands that the Philippines remove these illegal military ships and restore Ren'ai Reef to its original state, without any structures or facilities. Second, before the Philippines removes the ship, China is willing to take a humanitarian approach. The Philippines should inform China in advance, and after on-site verification, China will allow the Philippines to provide living supplies for the crew on the ship. China will monitor the entire process. Third, if the Philippines attempts to build permanent facilities or posts, China will refuse to accept such actions and will resolutely stop them in accordance with laws and regulations.
It is worth mentioning that in late July, when Marcos met with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan, he took the initiative to send a signal of hope for a “reset” of Sino-Philippine relations. However, just a few days later, he used strong words in his State of the Nation address, declaring that the Philippines would “never yield” on the South China Sea issue.
Marine military expert Zhang Junshe told Observer Network that Marcos' words precisely illustrate his ambivalence. Chen Xiangsui, the director of the South China Sea History and Culture Research Institute at the Chinese South Sea Research Institute, also emphasized that Marcos's release of a "reset" signal was not purely a gesture of goodwill. While there was indeed some genuine need behind it, it was more of a diplomatic showpiece, aimed at responding to ASEAN concerns about the escalating situation, as well as to counter domestic voices that are rational towards China.
