The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday cautioned government negotiators against entering potential oil and gas agreements with China, warning that Beijing has not been a “reliable partner” despite ongoing discussions on possible cooperation.
“The Chinese Communist Party is not a reliable partner on the negotiating table,” said Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesperson for West Philippine Sea matters, during a briefing at Camp Aguinaldo.
“Historically, we have observed a difference in the way they speak and their actions on the ground. These are facts which are recorded.”
The warning came after Philippine and Chinese officials held back-to-back meetings for the 24th Foreign Ministry Consultations and the 11th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea on March 27 and 28 in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province.
Despite the renewed talks, Trinidad said the AFP would continue patrol and monitoring operations in the West Philippine Sea, stressing the military remains vigilant while diplomatic discussions proceed.
The Philippine Navy also reported monitoring 90 Chinese vessels across key areas of the West Philippine Sea throughout March 2026, including 49 in Bajo de Masinloc, 15 near Pag-asa Island, 14 in Ayungin Shoal, and 12 in Escoda Shoal.
The monitored vessels included units from the People’s Liberation Army Navy and the China Coast Guard.
Trinidad said the increase in Chinese vessel presence coincided with tensions in the Middle East, suggesting Beijing may be taking advantage of global developments.
“We have noted in the past two weeks an escalation of their numbers, which coincided with developments in the Middle East region. These are deliberate,” he said.
“The correlation will be better understood if we understand how the Chinese Communist Party operates—its doctrine. They avoid the high ground and go to the low ground, just like how water acts,” Trinidad added, explaining that the approach involves retreating when an adversary is strong, advancing when there is opportunity, and projecting strength while appearing restrained.
He emphasized that such actions appear aimed at gradually normalizing China’s presence in disputed waters while global attention is focused elsewhere.
Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio also warned that joint oil and gas exploration between the Philippines and China could be a “trap.”
“Joint development is a trap because joint development means China owns the gas, the oil, all the natural resources,” Carpio said during a visit to Pag-asa Island.
“China has the sovereign rights. That’s from the point of view of China. So why will we accept that?” he added.
Carpio visited Pag-asa Island to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for a Catholic church and was shown by the Philippine Coast Guard structures being built by China in Panganiban Reef, which is inside the country’s exclusive economic zone. Chinese maritime militia vessels were also observed in Sabina Shoal.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said he was open to restarting discussions with Beijing on a joint energy project in the South China Sea, even as the AFP reiterated it would remain vigilant and continue documenting incursions in Philippine waters.
