The push for joint gas exploration between the Philippines and China is facing strong opposition from a leading policy think tank, which warned that such a deal could jeopardize the country’s sovereignty and long-term national interest.
The Stratbase Institute on Monday said it “firmly rejects” proposals for joint energy exploration with Beijing, citing China’s track record of “consistently acting in bad faith.”
“A state that persistently disregards international law and violates Philippine sovereign rights cannot be expected to honor any agreement. Entering into such a partnership would expose the country to unnecessary risk,” said Stratbase President and CEO Victor “Andres” Manhit.
Instead of pursuing joint exploration with China, Manhit called on the government to adopt “clear and decisive measures” to strengthen the country’s position in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). These include the full implementation of Executive Order No. 111, which assigns Philippine names to 131 features in the Kalayaan Island Group—an assertion of sovereignty.
He also urged the government to prioritize energy development through partnerships with “like-minded states” and credible Filipino private sector players with proven expertise.
The statement comes after the Marcos administration signaled openness to joint gas exploration with China, particularly in the western portion of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, as global energy concerns intensify.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said the ongoing crisis in the Middle East—triggered by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route—could serve as an “impetus” for potential agreements on joint exploration in disputed areas of the South China Sea.
However, Manhit stressed that energy security must not 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 WPS,” he said.
He emphasized that any discussions on energy cooperation must be anchored in international law, particularly the 2016 Arbitral Award that invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea.
China, however, continues to reject the ruling and assert its “nine-dash line” claim, with Chinese Coast Guard vessels frequently accused of restricting access to areas such as Scarborough Shoal through what Philippine officials describe as “illegal, coercive, and aggressive actions.”
Manhit also cited repeated incidents involving damage to Philippine vessels and risks posed to Filipino personnel and civilians, describing these as part of China’s continued efforts to assert unlawful control over Philippine maritime territory.
“These rights are non-negotiable,” he said. “All resources must remain under full Philippine ownership, control, and supervision. Any arrangement that creates ambiguity or undermines these rights is unacceptable.”