PH won’t give up South China Sea

But joint oil, gas exploration with China in disputed waters will be pursued

HONG KONG – The Philippines will not give up on its claims in the South China Sea even if the government is keen on having the framework for the proposed joint oil and gas exploration with China in the disputed waters.

Foreign Affairs Secretary (DFA) Alan Peter Cayetano stressed this Wednesday days after President Duterte’s bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia 2018 this week.

Cayetano said China has never asked the Philippines to give up on its South China Sea claims.

But he said that pursuing the joint exploration with China is the better option since the issue on the South China Sea is a complex one that evokes a lot of emotions.

“We will not make enemies. We are building friendship with everyone,” Cayetano said.

“It’s important that we got something out of there. But you know, it was clear to both sides that we will stick to our guns,” he added.

Cayetano, in a press briefing here, said that both leaders have given the green light for their countries to work on a framework for a joint exploration in the disputed waters. He added that the topic was first raised by Xi.

“How important was that statement made by the two leaders? Very important because it’s basically the go signal to come up with a framework, and if it’s acceptable by both sides, we could see the joint exploration done soon,” Cayetano said.

“If our legal minds, the DFA, the Department of Energy, Malacañang, and some of our consultants can come up with a framework tomorrow, I will send that to the Chinese tomorrow. If they can send it back to us the next day, and they say they agree, then we can start drafting the MOU or the agreement, and vetting it for official okay,” he added.

Last month, Duterte welcomed China’s proposal to conduct joint explorations in the disputed waters. Malacañang later on confirmed that there are ongoing talks between Filipino and Chinese firms on possible joint exploration in Service Contracts (SCs) 57 and 72.

Duterte decided to set aside the issue on the disputed waters in order to build a better relationship with China. With this, the President was slammed for supposedly giving into China.

But Duterte has repeatedly said that he will not surrender a single inch of Philippine territory to foreigners. China ready to work with PH With the improving ties, China said it stands ready to work with the Philippines to implement the important consensus reached between Xi and Duterte during their bilateral meeting Wednesday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said the consensus includes jointly conducting and deepening practical cooperation in the South China Sea, and seek an early realization of joint exploration and development.

“Pending final settlement, China would like to conduct practical cooperation in various fields with parties concerned, including under the principle of shelving differences and seeking joint development,” said Geng. “Joint development will not affect the legal position of either side on the relevant issue.”

The Chinese foreign ministry official expressed gratitude for the joint efforts of the two sides that have seen a sound and steady development of bilateral ties and a smooth running of practical cooperation in various fields between China and the Philippines.

It has been reported that while meeting with President Duterte on April 10, President Xi said that the two sides should continue to properly handle the South China Sea issue, and discuss joint exploration, development and cooperation at an appropriate time, thus making the waters a sea of cooperation and friendship.

For his part, Duterte said the Philippines will work with China to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and boost cooperation in this regard. (With a report from Roy C. Mabasa)