Marcos also confirmed for the first time a “provisional understanding” with Beijing over resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal, although he insisted this did not mean Manila was seeking China’s permission or surrendering sovereignty.

Speaking to foreign correspondents, the Philippine leader sought to draw a distinction between maritime rows and the broader relationship with Beijing. He called China “our friend” and stressed that Manila would continue economic engagement.

Marcos also ruled out allowing US forces to use the Philippines as a military launch pad against China in the event of a Taiwan contingency.

The president took wide-ranging questions from the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, the second such meeting he has held in two years, disclosing that talks with China over a potential joint oil and gas exploration “gained prominence” amid the Middle East crisis that has sent oil prices soaring.