Manila's troublemaking

At a time when the relevant countries have been pulling together to push forward the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and tensions in the area have generally eased, the Philippines has chosen once again to be a troublemaker.

The Philippines should assume direct responsibility for the fresh flare-up of the South China Sea issue, as the Philippine government has invited major foreign oil companies to invest in exploration in 15 offshore oil and gas areas in the South China Sea. The Philippines should bear in mind that a number of the 15 areas are under Chinese maritime jurisdiction and it does not have the right to invite foreign enterprises to bid for service contracts there.

China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and adjacent waters and it is unlawful for any country or company to explore oil and gas in areas under Chinese jurisdiction without the permission of the Chinese government.