Philippines president says state must find ways to exploit South China Sea resources

The Philippines must find a way to explore for oil and gas in the South China Sea even without a deal with China, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Thursday, emphasizing his country’s right to exploit energy reserves in the contested waterway.

“That’s a big thing for us, that is why we need to fight [for what is ours] and take advantage if there really is oil there,” Marcos told reporters.