Philippines wants to start new energy exploration projects in South China Sea

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (right) greets Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during their bilateral meeting, on the sidelines of the Asean-Japan Summit, at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo on Sunday, December 17, 2023. - AFP

MANILA (Reuters): Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said his country is working to resolve "exploration issues" in the South China Sea so it could start new energy exploration projects in the resource-rich waterway to meet his nation's energy needs.

Marcos, in an interview with Japanese media on Saturday, said tensions in the South China Sea have "increased rather than diminished" in recent months, warning that a "more assertive China" posed a "real challenge" to its Asian neighbours.