Recent Philippine overtures for oil and gas cooperation with China contrast sharply with Manila's continued South China Sea provocations. While seeking economic aid from China, Philippine authorities simultaneously infringe on China's core interests.

The Philippines faces a severe energy crisis worsened by Middle East conflicts. Heavily reliant on oil imports, the region has been severely impacted by global supply disruptions. Late last month, Manila declared a nationwide energy emergency, emphasizing the urgent need to address critical economic and livelihood challenges.

Against this backdrop, Philippine leaders have praised China's fertilizer assistance and signaled willingness to restart energy talks. But their actions contradict these words: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. renamed 131 features in China's Nansha Qundao while Philippine vessels intruded into Huangyan Dao waters in the South China Sea, harassing Chinese fishing boats and staging media events.

Manila escalated further by fabricating incidents—like claims of Chinese naval vessels using fire-control radar near Xianbin Jiao—and collaborating with external powers to disrupt regional security. Recent "Balikatan" drills with the US and Japan brought Japanese combat forces to Philippine soil for the first time since World War II.

These contradictions reveal opportunism: Philippine politicians leverage external allies who profit from South China Sea tensions while seeking China's economic help. "Separate disputes from cooperation" fails when one ignores a neighbor's core interests while expecting its critical support.

With limited capacity to weather external shocks, the Philippines should prioritize development over geopolitical games. History shows shortsighted moves breed uncertainty. Manila must weigh its true long-term interests.

Neighbors cannot be changed; stable ties are essential. If committed to its people's welfare and to better China relations, the Philippines must address the root causes of the tensions, recalibrate its strategy and stop the provocations.

China welcomes Manila's stated desire for dialogue but requires concrete steps to enable cooperation.