PH, China set to restart joint oil exploration talks

By Rey E. Requejo

and Charles Dantes

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Thursday said the Philippines and China are set to resume talks on a possible joint venture for oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea. Manalo’s announcement came as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported the presence of 20 Chinese and Vietnamese vessels in the waters around Sabina and Ayungin Shoals, and Pag-asa Island in Palawan. The ships, spotted by the BRP

Malapascua during a maritime patrol in the Kalayaan Island Group from March 16 to 21, included two Chinese Coast Guard vessels and a People’s Liberation Army Navy ship.