China and Philippines are reported to be moving closer to a deal to jointly explore oil and gas in disputed waters in the South China Sea, leaving aside sovereignty disputes, writes Xu Yihe.
Harry Roque, spokesman of Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, said that any potential exploration deals between the two countries should be carried out on a company-to-company basis.
Industry officials suggested that Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) and China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) are now involved in discussions about joint exploration of two blocks, one in Service Contract 72 at the disputed Reed Bank area and the other in non-disputed SC 57.
