Manila: Think-tank Stratbase Institute is not in favor of any joint energy exploration deal between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In rejecting the measure, the group said it has repeatedly demonstrated that it is neither a reliable partner nor a responsible actor.

According to Philippines News Agency, Stratbase stated that China has damaged Philippine assets and endangered the lives of Filipino uniformed personnel and civilians as part of its sustained effort to assert unlawful control over areas that belong to the Philippines under international law. Stratbase emphasized that any discussion of joint energy exploration must be firmly anchored in international law, particularly the 2016 Arbitral Award.

The think-tank highlighted that this landmark ruling unequivocally affirms the Philippines' exclusive sovereign rights to explore and exploit natural resources within its exclusive economic zone in the WPS. "These rights are non-negotiable. All resources must remain under full Philippine ownership, control, and supervision. Any arrangement that creates ambiguity or undermines these rights is unacceptable," it added.

The group further criticized China's continued refusal to recognize and comply with the arbitral ruling, underscoring its lack of credibility. "A state that persistently disregards international law and violates Philippine sovereign rights cannot be expected to honor any agreement. Entering into such a partnership would expose the country to unnecessary risk," Stratbase stated.

Stratbase argued that energy security must never come at the expense of sovereignty. It added that no crisis should be used to justify compromising the Philippines' legal position or ignoring the lived realities of Filipino fisherfolk and frontliners who continue to bear the consequences of China's actions in the WPS.

The think-tank urged the Philippines to pursue clear and decisive measures, including the full implementation of Executive Order No. 111, to reinforce its jurisdiction and uphold its rights under international law. Additionally, Stratbase recommended that the Philippines actively develop its energy resources through partnerships with like-minded states and credible Filipino private sector actors with the necessary expertise and capacity.

Stratbase concluded that engaging actors who have consistently acted in bad faith is not only unnecessary but ultimately detrimental to the Philippines' long-term national interest.