The Chinese government has denied a report that it would require the Philippines to use its natural resources as collateral for the loans that it will provide to the Duterte administration. During the press briefing, Geng maintained that China will not use the territorial dispute in the economic relations of Manila and Beijing. Duterte has floated the idea of co-ownership of contested areas where Beijing and Manila would agree to conduct joint exploration of natural resources.

Diaz, J., & Mateo, J. (2018, March 11). Natural resources not collateral for Phl loans, says Beijing. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 2.