Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines and China have resumed high-level talks on maritime and bilateral issues, with officials meeting in Quanzhou to jumpstart discussions on communication mechanisms and possible energy cooperation.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the 24th Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) and the 11th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea are happening back-to-back on March 27 to 28. The Philippine delegation is led by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Leo Herrera-Lim.

The meetings serve as key platforms for “frank and candid exchanges” on bilateral concerns, including tensions in the West Philippine Sea and areas of potential cooperation.

The talks come as Manila and Beijing continue discussions on updating a 2016 deal between the Philippine Coast Guard and the China Coast Guard.

The DFA earlier clarified that proposed amendments to the memorandum of understanding are limited to reviving a joint coast guard committee that will act as a formal communication channel, but sensitive activities such as joint patrols are excluded.

The diplomatic engagements also come amid renewed attention on possible joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, following comments by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that shifting global conditions could push both sides to revisit stalled negotiations.

Malacañang maintained that the country remains transparent in any potential talks.

“He has no secret deal. So whatever this negotiation would result in and if it will be good for the Philippines, the president would not oppose that,” Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

China earlier signaled openness to resuming joint energy talks, saying cooperation remains possible if Manila demonstrates sincerity.