Duterte reopens South China Sea oil exploration amid Beijing talks

Philippines takes step toward joint projects with China despite maritime dispute

20201015N Duterte

Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte holds a news conference on Oct. 14.  (Photo courtesy of the Presidential Communications Operations Office)

CLIFF VENZON, Nikkei staff writer

MANILA -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has allowed the resumption of oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea amid talks with Beijing on possible joint exploratory efforts.

Philippine Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Thursday said Duterte approved lifting a moratorium on energy exploration that was imposed in 2014 amid Manila's arbitration case against Beijing over their territorial claims in the South China Sea.

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