Part 13/19:

Despite this, decoupling from China remains difficult, given the sheer volume of Chinese goods, investments, and the complex reliance of Filipinos on affordable Chinese products. Tensions threaten to complicate this economic interdependence, especially if China tightens regulation or imposes restrictions in response to hostile actions.

The Complexity of Energy and Natural Resources

An emerging issue is energy security. The Philippines’ sole natural gas field—the Malampaya—has seen declining output, raising fears of an energy crisis by 2027 if new sources aren’t tapped. The country is exploring natural gas and oil prospects in the South China Sea, where potential reserves estimate billions of barrels and trillions of cubic feet of natural gas.