MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano cited a 1999 paper in justifying the possible joint development with China in the South China Sea, part of which is the West Philippine Sea. The paper titled "When will conditions be ripe: Prospects for joint development in the South China Sea" discussed the advantages and disadvantages of joint development zones almost 20 years ago, way back when maritime entitlements were unclear. In a Congressional hearing on Wednesday, the Philippines' top diplomat hit back at critics opposing joint development in the contested waterway. Cayetano added that the same sentiments are being echoed by those who are not in favor of joint development in the West Philippine Sea. How China sees itMeanwhile, joint development from Beijing's perspective would be based on the premise that it has sovereignty over the area.

Source: Philippine Star May 31, 2018 04:41 UTC