Chinese minister hopes Philippines will revive talks on oil, gas deals in South China Sea

Liu Jianchao, head of the CCP’s diplomatic arm, says the maritime row shouldn’t come between the countries as Beijing moves towards a ‘golden era’ in ties with Manila

The previous Duterte administration had terminated talks over joint energy exploration deals in the South China Sea, citing constitutional constraints

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An offshore oil platform and its supply ship in the northern waters of the South China Sea. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 3:04pm, 30 Aug 2022

A Chinese minister has expressed hope for the revival of talks with the Philippines on oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, without undermining each other’s claims in the disputed waterway.

Liu Jianchao, head of the Communist Party’s diplomatic arm, the International Liaison Department, told reporters in Manila last weekend that the discussions could continue if both sides showed “some kind of flexibility”.

“It seems that there are some legal barriers or legal factors that are standing in the way of a final consensus,” said Liu, who previously served as the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines.

“I hope that both sides will move about this issue in a way that is feasible and practical so that the cooperation could be continued and realised.”

Liu also said the maritime disputes should not be allowed to become a stumbling block in bilateral relations as Beijing moves towards a “golden era” in ties with Manila under President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr. He added China was willing to help the Philippines in the agriculture, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors to boost cooperation between the two countries.

In June, Marcos Jnr’s predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, terminated talks over joint energy exploration between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea, citing constitutional constraints.