MANILA, Philippines — Despite the lack of agreement between the Philippines and China on joint explorations in the South China Sea until now, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua said both parties are keen on pursuing the proposed project. The Chinese envoy said discussions on the possible joint exploration in the South China Sea, part of which is the West Philippine Sea, are still ongoing. Cayetano: No deadline on joint exploration dealForeign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano earlier admitted that the Philippines and China agreed not to set a deadline on the possible joint exploration. The Philippines has proposed a 60-40 sharing deal with China on the proposed joint exploration. "The joint exploration of the West Philippine Sea is not a simple issue as what the Duterte administration has been suggesting.

Source: Philippine Star September 28, 2018 03:56 UTC