China and the Philippines convened the 1st meeting of China-Philippines Inter-Governmental Joint Steering Committee on Cooperation on Oil and Gas Development on 28th October, 2019 in Beijing, China. The Chinese delegation was led by Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui and the Philippine delegation was led by DFA Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Policy Enrique A. Manalo. Bilateral delegations comprised officials from the respective foreign and energy ministries, and other relevant agencies.

In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding in Cooperation on Oil and Gas Development between the Government of People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (hereinafter referred to as the "MOU"), and the Terms of Reference on Inter-Governmental Joint Steering Committee and Inter-Entrepreneurial Working Group on Oil and Gas Development between China and the Philippines, both sides confirmed the official establishment of the Oil and Gas Development Inter-Governmental Joint Steering Committee (hereinafter referred to as the "Committee").

The Committee had a candid, in-depth and friendly exchange on cooperation arrangements under the MOU and agreed to further push forward communication and coordination on oil and gas development, with a view to achieving progress in accordance with the MOU.

Both sides agreed to hold the 2nd meeting of the Committee in the Philippines in early 2020, with exact date and place to be determined and mutually agreed upon through diplomatic channels.