The oil and gas can be negotiated or shared. Its not what China is in it for.
https://www.globalbusinessoutlook.co...s-exploration/
China and Philippines sign MoU for joint oil and gas exploration
Both countries’ governments have signed an agreement to carry out joint oil and gas development in the South China Sea
The agreement was signed during China President Xi Jinping’s visit to the Philippines, in addition to several other deals in multiple sectors.