South China Sea: energy exploration should not involve countries outside the region, Beijing says
- Oil and gas drilling must not harm China’s interests and disputes should be ‘handled directly’ between rival claimants, foreign ministry says
- Remarks follow comments by Manila’s US envoy that the Philippines is considering partnering with US, Japan and Australia for energy development
Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing, Wang Wenbin added that territorial disputes in the South China Sea should be “negotiated and properly handled directly” between China and rival claimants.
“Regarding the disputes relating to the sea, including resource exploitation, countries concerned must not undermine China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea by exploiting resources, and they must not invite extraterritorial countries to intervene in [such disputes],” Wang said.
“When the time comes that we are going to start exploring it, we’ll have the options to be able to see how we can secure the expedition,” Romualdez said. “We’re working closely with our allies, not only the US but also Japan and Australia.”
15:04
Why is the Philippines aligning itself with the US after years of close China ties under Duterte
Those options include inviting US companies to invest in the resource development, according to Romualdez. Discussions could also include countries such as Vietnam, which have overlapping claims with China.
