Look beyond Bohai Bay

Things seem to be taking a dramatic turn in the dispute over the oil leak at Peng Lai 19-3 in the Bohai Bay.

ConocoPhillips China, the operator of the offshore oil field, which has drawn public anger for the perfunctory manner in its response to the leaks first detected in early June, has announced a plan to set up a special fund "to address ConocoPhillips' responsibilities in accordance with relevant laws of China and to benefit the general environment in Bohai Bay".

A more consoling message came from a State Council meeting on Wednesday presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao, which ordered a thorough investigation of the incident.