Marcos Confirms 'Provisional Understanding' on Sierra Madre Resupply, Says China Oil-and-Gas Talks 'Moved Forward'

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., speaking to foreign correspondents in Manila on August 14, 2026, confirmed for the first time in his own words a 'provisional understanding' with Beijing covering resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal, while insisting this does not mean Manila is seeking China's permission or surrendering sovereignty. Marcos also said joint oil-and-gas exploration talks with China had 'moved forward,' with momentum building around potential gas deposits in the Reed Bank amid Middle East-driven oil-price volatility: 'We have to find new ways... this discussion has gained prominence. And where we are now, I think we have moved forward.' Marcos called China 'our friend' and 'one of the biggest investors still in the Philippines,' while separately ruling out allowing US forces to use Philippine territory as a staging ground against China in a Taiwan contingency.