China signals energy aid to Philippines may hinge on US military drills as Beijing wields oil reserves in South China Sea dispute

China flexes energy leverage as the Philippines, US start annual war games China hints Philippine energy aid may hinge on US allied drills, uses oil and fuel leverage amid South China Sea tensions, critics see implied quid pro quo and growing Chinese assertiveness. By Reuters China on Tuesday, April 21, implied energy assistance for the Philippines could be tied to Manila holding military drills with the US 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…