03/03/2018
The Philippines on Friday identified two areas in the South China Sea where joint exploration for oil and gas may be undertaken with China, including one in territory that both sides have argued over for years.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesman, Harry Roque, said the areas being considered were sites covered by service contracts 57 and 72, which are exploration permits issued by Manila’s energy ministry.
“What I know is that there are two areas being considered for joint exploration, but both are within the exclusive economic zone” of the Philippines, Roque told reporters.
The 880,000-hectare SC-72 at the Reed Bank, a disputed area, is where PXP Energy Corp had been undertaking exploration to evaluate the block’s gas reserves.
Since Reed Bank is disputed, Roque said “there must be an agreement before the two countries can proceed with the joint exploration”.
Read more at SCMP
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