China has reiterated its commitment to explore ways to conduct joint maritime exploration after the Philippine Supreme Court declared as unconstitutional a 2005 joint oil exploration deal among China, the Philippines and Vietnam.
In a press conference on Wednesday, China's spokesman for its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang Wenbin, said: "China remains committed to properly handle maritime disputes in the South China Sea with countries directly concerned, including the Philippines, through dialogue and consultation, and to actively explore ways for practical maritime cooperation including joint exploration."
Wang also recalled President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s recent state visit to China, where he talked with Chinese President Xi Jinping the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Oil and Gas Development in 2018.
The two leaders also talked about the resumption of oil and gas development "at an early date, building upon the outcomes of the previous talks, with a view of benefiting the two countries and their peoples," he added.
Wang said the Tripartite Agreement for Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking in the Agreement Area in the South China Sea in 2005 among the three Asian countries, which the high court declared unconstitutional, "was an important step by the three countries to implement" the Declaration of Conduct.
Wang added the pact is "a useful experiment for maritime cooperation between parties to the South China Sea."
"It played an important role in promoting stability, cooperation and development in the region," he also said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is still " is carefully studying" the decision.
Ma. Teresita Daza, DFA spokesperson, said the agency's actions and policy recommendations are, "at all times, anchored on the Philippine Constitution and laws."
So cases decided by the Supreme Court form part of the DFA legal system, and the agency is duty-bound to take applicable cases into consideration in any future discussion with China on oil and gas, she added.
"It is, however, premature to discuss the case’s legal implications on any future agreement with China, as substantive discussions have yet to commence. We are still in the process of setting the parameters that will guide any future oil and gas talks," Daza told reporters seeking on the DFA's comment on the decision.