Philippine lawmakers advocating for oil and gas cooperation with China in the contested South China Sea have drawn sharp rebukes from security analysts and opposition figures, who warn such deals could undermine Manila’s sovereignty claims. The proposals, reportedly discussed in recent legislative sessions, come amid heightened tensions over China’s expansive maritime activities in the region.
The South China Sea, through which an estimated $3 trillion in annual trade passes, holds untapped hydrocarbon reserves that multiple nations claim. The Philippines has long resisted joint development proposals that might legitimize China’s ‘nine-dash line’ claims, which were invalidated by a 2016 international tribunal ruling. ‘Any energy cooperation must fully respect Philippine sovereign rights,’ a Southeast Asia analyst told SourceRated, speaking anonymously due to diplomatic sensitivities.
Proponents argue resource-sharing could ease energy shortages. ‘We must be pragmatic about our energy needs,’ one lawmaker was quoted saying in local reports. However, regional security sources note China has previously used joint ventures to assert control over disputed areas, citing Vietnam’s experience with pressured partnerships.
The debate unfolds as Manila deepens military ties with Washington under their Mutual Defense Treaty. Some officials privately express concern that energy deals could strain this alliance while failing to deter Chinese coastguard incursions, which increased 50% year-over-year in 2023 according to Philippine Coast Guard data.