Manila: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed confidence that the Philippines and China can continue to cooperate economically, particularly on energy exploration projects, despite ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. He also affirmed that the Philippines is not distancing itself from China and that China remains one of the country's largest investors.
According to Thai News Agency, relations between the two countries have been continuously strained due to several confrontations in the South China Sea, such as clashes near Thomas II Shoal, water cannons near Scarborough Shoal, and Beijing's sanctions on the Philippine Defense Secretary. However, the Philippine leader stated that all parties want energy cooperation to succeed, which is a positive sign for moving relations forward.
Furthermore, President Marcos Jr. denied allegations of a special agreement with China, insisting that the Philippines does not need permission from Beijing to send supplies and has not relinquished its sovereign rights over the area. This indicates that the Manila government's stance has not weakened in any way.