China Says Door Open to SCS Oil Talks but Demands Philippines 'Show Sincerity'

China's embassy in Manila issued a formal statement on March 26 affirming Beijing's openness to reviving South China Sea joint oil and gas development talks with the Philippines, but conditioning renewed negotiations on Manila demonstrating 'sincerity.' The statement came a day after Philippine DFA Secretary Lazaro confirmed a formal directive from President Marcos to restart energy dialogue could be forthcoming. Analysts noted the exchange hints at an emerging diplomatic opening driven by shared energy pressures — the Iran-linked oil shock has hit both nations' import costs — though fundamental sovereignty disputes and the Philippines' constitutional restrictions on foreign resource access remain unresolved obstacles. President Marcos also confirmed publicly that talks with China on joint exploration were possible, in comments carried by Philstar.