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Joint exploration talks between Filipino, Chinese firms 'moving forward,' Roque says

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<figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kLbWq7sKRns" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div><p>MANILA - A joint exploration between Filipino and Chinese companies in disputed waters is &quot;likely to happen&quot; as talks are &quot;moving forward&quot; under President Rodrigo Duterte, his spokesman said Thursday.</p><p>Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, however, did not identify the companies involved. Such an agreement between private companies is allowed under Philippine law, he said.</p><p>&quot;I know they are discussing. They are moving forward and it&#x27;s likely to happen,&quot; Roque told ANC&#x27;s Headstart.</p><p>&quot;This will now actually entail joint exploration and possible exploitation of natural resources,&quot; he said.</p><p>The law also requires that Congress be informed should such an agreement be reached between a Filipino company and a foreign counterpart.</p><p>Under the government of Duterte&#x27;s predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, Manila&#x27;s PXP Energy, then known as Philex Petroleum, discussed possible joint exploration with Beijing&#x27;s China National Offshore Oil Corp.</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/business/03/01/17/pxp-energy-seeks-revival-of-exploration-talks-with-china">PXP Energy seeks revival of exploration talks with China</a></li></ul><p>The discussions, however, hit a snag after Aquino questioned the basis of China&#x27;s claims before an international arbitration court, a case that Manila won shortly after he relinquished power to Duterte.</p><p>Duterte refused to flaunt the ruling, choosing instead to repair diplomatic and economic ties with Beijing as he shifted foreign policy away from Manila&#x27;s traditional ally, Washington. </p>

<p>A joint exploration between Filipino and Chinese companies in disputed waters is "likely to happen" as talks are "moving forward" under President Rodrigo Duterte, his spokesman said Thursday.</p>

A joint exploration between Filipino and Chinese companies in disputed waters is "likely to happen" as talks are "moving forward" under President Rodrigo Duterte, his spokesman said Thursday.