Beijing has signaled readiness to work with Southeast Asian nations on energy security, as Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. acknowledged that the country is actively seeking petroleum suppliers outside the Middle East.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian, speaking at a regular news conference, said the ongoing conflict had thrown global energy systems into disarray. “The situation in the Middle East has disrupted global energy security,” Lin said, calling on all parties to halt military operations. “The countries involved should immediately cease military operations to prevent regional instability from having a greater impact on global economic development.”
Lin also confirmed China’s intent to engage the region. “China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Southeast Asian countries to jointly address energy security issues,” he said.
The offer carries weight for fuel-dependent economies across the region — but also comes with complications. Beijing issued an order earlier in March banning Chinese exports of diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel, a move that has already strained supplies in several Southeast Asian nations that depend on China as a strategic partner. Any reversal or softening of that ban could provide significant relief to countries from the Philippines to Cambodia.
Marcos, speaking to reporters in Mariveles, Bataan on Thursday, said existing suppliers had committed to honor ongoing contracts, including for fertilizer and other petroleum-derived goods. He acknowledged, however, that oil prices remained difficult to manage. “The problem is that the price of oil is very volatile, we cannot fully anticipate so we are still adjusting right now,” he said.
The president said the government’s immediate priority was price stability and supply continuity. “For food, we can do more. We are looking for additional ways to lower food prices. As for oil, there’s nothing much we can do about that, but at least we are making sure that the supply will be available,” Marcos said.
He added that the search for new supply sources was already underway. “So even if we have stock, the Philippines continues to look for more — because we really source from the Middle East. So we are looking for alternative sources of oil,” Marcos said.
China holds the world’s largest oil refining capacity, a factor that gives its outreach to Southeast Asia practical significance beyond diplomatic posturing.
