China Ties Energy Aid to Philippines’ U.S.-Led Military Drills, Warns Against Hypocrisy

BEIJING – China on April 21 implied that energy assistance for the Philippines could be tied to Manila holding military drills with the United States and other allies, as its top newspaper showed Beijing’s readiness to leverage its reserves in diplomatic disputes.

In an editorial headlined “The Philippines should create conditions for deepening cooperation,” the ruling Communist Party’s official People’s Daily accused the Philippines of hypocrisy for seeking emergency supplies days before hosting annual drills involving more than 17,000 troops on a remote Philippine island near Taiwan.

China has the world’s largest strategic oil inventories.

“These blatantly contradictory words and deeds expose the opportunistic nature of Philippine politicians,” the commentary said, published under the pen name “Zhong Sheng”, meaning “Voice of China”, and commonly used to convey top officials’ views on foreign policy.

“How can (the Philippines) justify acting with complete disregard for the interests of its neighbours and yet expect them to come to its aid in a critical moment?” the commentary continued, calling on Manila to “create the right conditions” for improved two-way ties.

Tying energy relief to diplomatic disputes suggests Beijing could start to use supply assistance as leverage against nations that have displeased it, analysts say, as it has with critical minerals exports to Japan.

The war games began on April 20, with thousands of American and Philippine troops joined for the first time by a significant contingent of Japanese forces. The exercises are set against the backdrop of the Middle East war and feature live-fire drills in the north of the country facing the Taiwan Strait, as well as a province off the disputed South China Sea, where the Philippines and China have engaged in repeated confrontations.

In one drill, the Japanese military, which is contributing 1,400 personnel, will use a Type 88 cruise missile to sink a World War II-era minesweeper off the coast of northern Luzon island.

More than 17,000 soldiers, airmen and sailors are taking part in the 19-day Balikatan, or Shoulder to Shoulder, exercises – about the same number as 2025’s edition – including contingents from Australia, New Zealand, France and Canada.

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