China Agreed No New Expansion In South China Sea, Philippines Says

Philippine Defence Minister Says China Agreed Of No New Expansion In South China Sea

The Philippine defence minister said that China has agreed that make no new expansion in the South China Sea in strengthening its ties.

Previously, China was claiming almost parts of the South China Sea including the Scarborough Shoal. Several countries including Taiwan Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and the Philippines have claims in the disputed island.

The giant nation has already built several islands on the reefs in the area including their defense area consisting of runways, radars, surface-to-air missile, and fighter jets.

In a congressional hearing on Monday (August 14, 2017), defence minister, Delfin Lorenzana said that the two countries had reached a “modus vivendi,” which prohibits the new occupations of islands in the South China Sea.

“The Chinese will not occupy new features in the South China Sea nor they are going to build structures in Scarborough Shoal,” said by Lorenzana quoted by ABS-CBN.

The defense minister did not give an immediate response to the lawmakers who cited military reports that five Chinese ships were spotted 5 kilometers from Spratly Island last Saturday (August 12, 2017).

Meanwhile, Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said that the Philippines and China are now working to explore natural oil and gas resources in the South China Sea. He also said that they are aiming to start the exploitation within this year.

On Tuesday (August 15, 2017), Cayetano also assured the lawmakers that the energy deal with China will not violate the Constitution as it conforms to a 60-40 percent revenue sharing, which more favorable for the country.

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