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PH, China still confident about joint exploration in South China Sea
PH, China still confident about joint exploration in South China Sea
Even with the possibility that such an endeavor will no longer happen in the next three months, both ambassadors from the Philippines and China are still looking forward to having a joint exploration in the South China Sea.
Both Philippine Ambassador to China Santiago "Chito" Sta. Romana and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said this in a webinar hosted by the Philippine Association of Chinese Studies (PACS) on Saturday, March 5.
During the webinar, the two ambassadors were asked if the talks on a possible joint exploration in the disputed waters were still ongoing, to which Sta. Romana replied in the affirmative.
"Talks are still ongoing. This issue is, of course, not a simple one. There are complicated issues but some progress has been made," he said.
However, he confessed that the desired outcome may not be reached within the remaining months of President Duterte's administration.
"The time is quite limited and so the next administration could continue where this current administration may leave off," he said.
"We remain optimistic that perhaps the talks will produce a positive outcome," he added.
For his part, Ambassador Huang said both President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to address the sea row in a more "constructive manner".
"It is the consensus between our two leaders to handle the South China Sea issue in a constructive manner and explore joint cooperation in the disputed area," he said.
"We believe joint exploration will bring benefits to both our peoples," he added.
He likewise hoped that the talks will produce the desired outcome.
"The talks are still ongoing and we hope the talks will bring about positive outcomes," Huang said.
"I do believe as two neighbors, this kind of talk will never be too late," he added.
In September 2019, President Duterte said President Xi promised that the Philippines would get 60 percent of whatever would be found in the disputed waters in a joint exploration.
"Set aside your claim. Then allow everybody connected with the Chinese companies. They want to explore and if there is something," Duterte said on September 10, 2019.
"Sabi nila (They said), 'We would be gracious enough to give you 60 percent.' Forty lang ang kanila (They will only get 40). That is the promise of Xi Jinping," he added.
The President said that this would include the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) since it was part of the 2016 Hague Ruling which China continues to not recognize as it invalidated its nine-dash line claim.