Three more rigs set for the South China Sea

China plans to deploy three more oil rigs in the South China Sea, a move analysts say demonstrates its determination to explore energy resources "despite maritime tension and harassment" from Vietnam and the Philippines.

Two rigs, Nanhai 2 and Nanhai 5, will be deployed in waters east of Guangdong province by Aug 12, while Nanhai 4 will be towed to the Beibu Gulf close to the west coast of the Leizhou Peninsula in the southernmost part of Guangdong by July 15.

The rig coordinates have been posted on the Maritime Safety Administration's website.