Marcos seeks to reset Philippines-China relations, ease tensions

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday (14/8) that the plan to ‘reset’ relations with China is aimed at easing tensions and preventing misunderstandings that could trigger conflict.

Speaking at a luncheon hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines in Manila, Marcos said the reset means returning to dialogue whenever tensions between Manila and Beijing begin to rise, according to the Philippine News Agency.

‘This is a reset in the sense that if we begin to detect or feel an increase or escalation of tensions, then we must go back to talking with our counterparts in China,’ Marcos said.

He said Manila wants to reduce the risk of errors or misunderstandings between Philippine vessels and crew and China amid recurring tensions in the disputed West Philippine Sea.

Marcos also mentioned that discussions on possible joint oil and gas exploration with China have made progress, with both sides drafting terms of reference.

Asked whether such exploration could begin during his term, he replied: ‘Of course.’

Separately, Marcos expressed his intention to support a candidate in the 2028 presidential election who can continue his administration’s programmes, but added that it is still too early to determine who his successor will be.

‘We will choose the best candidate who can continue what we have started,’ he said.