# Philippines expands strategic ties and manages regional T&S > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/philippines-expands-strategic-trade-ties > Updated: 2026-08-18T03:44:06.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 9. In early July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. elevated the Philippines‑Japan relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and highlighted a parallel strategic partnership with Canada that secured roughly US$2.5 billion in investment pledges. A week later, Marcos travelled to Vancouver, where Canada’s prime minister announced a strategic partnership aimed at finalising a Canada‑Philippines free‑trade agreement by the end of 2026. From 14–16 July Marcos visited Singapore, presenting reforms that eased foreign‑ownership limits and allowed 100% foreign ownership in renewable‑energy projects. On 25 July, Marcos met Chinese ambassador Jing Quan for an 80-minute closed-door discussion, signalling a “reset” of ties after a July 20 clash at Ren’ai reef. In August, Marcos met with senior U.S. Department of War officials to deepen security cooperation. By mid-August, Marcos signaled a significant shift toward energy cooperation with Beijing. He stated there is a “very high possibility” of the Philippines and China engaging in joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, specifically mentioning the Reed Bank. Emphasizing the need to secure energy supplies amid price surges, he noted that negotiations regarding the scope of authority are making progress, stating, “We must find new ways... I think, for now, we have made progress.” Marcos reiterated that the Philippines is not seeking to “distance itself from China” and intends to maintain regional neutrality. Regarding potential China-Taiwan tensions, he asserted the Philippines will not be a “belligerent” nation and will not allow its territory to be used for attacks against others. Additionally, during a luncheon with foreign journalists, he emphasized that a free press is “indispensable to any democratic society.” In August, Marcos met with U.S. officials Elbridge Colby and John Noh to discuss security cooperation amid South China Sea tensions. ## Claims - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has not yet decided which candidate to endorse for the 2028 presidential election. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Vice President Sara Duterte is currently facing an impeachment trial in the Senate. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Sara Duterte denies accusations of financial irregularities and threatening the life of President Marcos. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Philippines is not pursuing a policy of distancing itself from China. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Philippines and China are making progress regarding discussions on joint energy exploration. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Philippines is interested in tapping offshore gas deposits in the Reed Bank within its exclusive economic zone. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-18: Philippines President Marcos clarifies tech hub goals and China relations President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the Philippines' pursuit of advanced technology hubs is driven by economic growth and job creation, not by choosing sides in geopolitical tensions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/philippines-president-marcos-clarifies-tech-hub-goals-and-china-relations ### 2026-08-14: Philippines President signals potential joint oil and gas exploration with China President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says joint oil and gas exploration between the Philippines and China is “very likely” as Manila seeks to bolster energy security despite South China Sea disputes. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/philippines-president-signals-potential-joint-oil-and-gas-exploration-with-china ### 2026-08-14: Marcos pledges to protect press freedom and maintain regional neutrality President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to protect press freedom in the Philippines and stated the nation will not act as a belligerent in potential China-Taiwan conflicts. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marcos-pledges-to-protect-press-freedom-and-maintain-regional-neutrality ### 2026-08-14: Ferdinand Marcos Jr addresses 2028 succession and China relations President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has declined to name a 2028 presidential successor amid political friction with Vice President Sara Duterte, while expressing hope for economic and energy cooperation with China. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/philippines-pursues-china-economic-ties-while-strengthening-us-security-alliance ### 2026-08-09: President Marcos meets US officials and calls for ASEAN unity President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with US defense officials to discuss security ties and called for ASEAN unity to address regional stability and global crises. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/president-marcos-meets-us-officials-and-calls-for-asean-unity ### 2026-07-25: Philippines President Marcos seeks reset of ties with China after South China Sea clash Philippine President Marcos met Chinese ambassador Jing Quan to discuss a “reset” of ties after a South China Sea clash, urging concrete actions; the US pledged to raise Manila’s concerns with Beijing. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/philippines-president-marcos-seeks-reset-of-ties-with-china-after-south-china-sea-clash ### 2026-07-16: Philippines President Marcos pitches investment and reforms to Singapore Philippine President Marcos visited Singapore to attract investment, showcasing reforms that permit full foreign ownership in renewables, 99‑year land leases and long‑term tax incentives, and securing pledges – 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marcos-jr-seeks-investment-and-deeper-ties-in-singapore-visit ### 2026-07-12: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pursues trade deals in Canada and Singapore President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held a trade‑focused visit to Canada, pledging a free‑trade deal, and is set for a two‑day working trip to Singapore to deepen bilateral cooperation. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/president-ferdinand-marcos-jr-pursues-trade-deals-in-canada-and-singapore ### 2026-07-04: Ferdinand Marcos Jr. seeks strategic ties with Japan and Canada as China sanctions defense chief Marcos elevated ties with Japan, secured $2.5 bn in Canadian investments, and condemned Chinese sanctions on his defense chief, stressing strategic partnerships and regional tensions. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/philippines-canada-talks-boost-critical-minerals-investment --- Cite as: Philippines expands strategic ties and manages regional T&S. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/philippines-expands-strategic-trade-ties