The Philippine government assures that it is working to straighten out “exploration issues” in the South China Sea so the country can begin its energy exploration projects to meet its energy needs.
Reuters reported that Asian neighbors also faced difficulty due to the growing sea tensions.
Very little has been accomplished despite ongoing talks between the Philippines and China over the joint exploration of the South China Sea’s oil and gas potential.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that both parties are at a standstill, and the Philippines should already maximize its right to explore the energy reserves in the West Philippine Sea, with the country having been determined to transition to liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Conflicts over claims in the highly coveted waters erupted last week as Manila and Beijing traded accusations after a collision of vessels near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea.
Aside from the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei, and Malaysia also claimed parts of the South China Sea, all of which are disputed by China.