PH, China up for joint oil, gas exploration in West PH Sea

Talks between Philippines and China on how to implement an agreement on joint oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea is set to happen on February, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.

This is an opportunity that would make way for the two countries to settle its long-time dispute over West Philippine Sea waters within the Philippines’ 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.

Cayetano said this joint exploration is both sought by the two countries and this was declared during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in November last year.

He adds that the next step is to have a discussion probably in the bilateral forum which is to happen in Manila.

Moreover, Cayetano said that “we will never compromise our national territory” assuring that both countries will work on agreements that will not go against the Philippine law and Chinese law.

(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 01/ 16 / 18)