Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could serve as an impetus for the Philippines and China to revisit discussions on joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, despite longstanding territorial disputes.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Marcos acknowledged that while discussions have long been on the table, tensions have hindered progress.

“We’ve been talking about [it] for a great deal, but the territorial disputes will get in the way of that,” he said, adding that global developments such as the Iran war.

“Maybe…it should provide impetus for both sides to come to an agreement.”

Marcos also signaled a possible recalibration of relations with Beijing amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

“It’s certainly going to happen… there’s going to be a very, very serious restructuring,” he said, noting that countries may need to “redraw” aspects of their international relationships.

Despite this, the president emphasized that Philippine foreign policy remains anchored on peace and national interest.

“Our foreign policy is very, very simple. It’s peace in the national interest. That’s it,” he said.

“War is never in the national interest as far as the Philippines is concerned.”

The latest remarks mark a potential shift from the government’s earlier stance. In 2022, then-Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro “Teddyboy” Locsin Jr. announced the termination of joint oil and gas exploration talks with China, with Manila initiating the withdrawal due to unresolved issues.

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo has since told NewsWatch Plus that the Philippines has not closed the door on future negotiations, although any agreement must comply with constitutional requirements and protect national interest.