Advertisement

Beijing backs joint energy ventures with Manila in South China Sea

Chinese foreign minister makes remarks after Philippine President Duterte said partner had been found to develop oil fields and exploration

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said he supported the idea of joint energy ventures with the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea during a two-day visit to Manila. Photo: AP
Kinling Loin BeijingandReuters

China’s foreign minister on Tuesday said he supported the idea of joint energy ventures with the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea, warning that unilateral action could cause problems and damage both sides.

Advertisement

Wang Yi, on a two-day visit to Manila, made the remarks after President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said a partner had been found to develop oil fields and exploration, and exploitation would restart this year.

Duterte did not identify the partner. The energy ministry on July 12 said drilling at the Reed Bank, suspended in 2014, might resume before year-end, and the government was preparing to offer new blocks to investors in bidding in December.

“In waters where there are overlapping maritime rights and interests, if one party goes for unilateral development, and the other party takes the same action, that might complicate the situation at sea,” Wang told a news conference.

Advertisement

“That might lead to tension, and as the end result, nobody would be able to develop resources.”

loading
Advertisement