PH won’t give up SCS claims, agrees to joint oil exploration 31 SHARES Share it! Share TweetBy Fred M. LoboThe Philippine government said it will not give up on its claims in the South China Sea but will enter into a joint oil and gas exploration with China in the disputed waters. 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 explained. But amid criticism for supposedly giving in to China, Duterte repeatedly said that he will not surrender a single inch of Philippine territory to foreigners. Xi reportedly said that the two sides should continue to properly handle the South China Sea issue, discuss joint exploration, development, and cooperation, and make the waters a sea of cooperation and friendship.

Source: Manila Bulletin April 15, 2018 13:52 UTC