Cayetano: I raised maritime issues with China on Duterte's orders

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said he was able to raise issues concerning the West Philippine Sea with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, following orders from President Rodrigo Duterte.

“I followed the President’s instructions to bring up some issues, including the BBC report and also to emphasize that while the situation has gotten better, there’s much more potential for cooperation which includes, cooperation on fisheries, on the environment and on possible exploration and development,” Cayetano said.

"I faithfully delivered the President's message, which is we’re all co-claimants that we believe in our stand in our rights, we'll fight for our territory and sovereign rights as we know you will also fight for your claims,” he added.

Duterte had made several pronouncements over the past few weeks rebuking China over its aggressive behavior in disputed seas. The statements come as Manila and Beijing have had significantly warmer ties under Duterte.

According to Cayetano, China explained that mechanisms are already in place for hostilities to be prevented.

During Cayetano’s visit to China, the two countries was also able to reach certain agreements regarding the possible joint oil exploration between the two countries.

Cayetano said both the Philippines and China “agreed not to have a deadline” referring to the creation of the framework of draft of the joint exploration agreement.

The two countries instead agreed “to work on it with an ASAP mentality, so that we can get it done,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano said he explained to Yi that Duterte only has a six-year term, adding “it’s difficult for projects that can last 4 or 5 years.”

He reiterated the urgency to find a replacement for the Malampaya gas field.

“Yung development putting up the oil rigs takes several years and we only have until 2028 to find a replacement and hopefully, a replacement that will produce even more than Malampaya. Malampaya already supplies 30 to 40 percent of our power needs in Luzon. Can you imagine kung mawala iyan?" he said.

Cayetano earlier said that China has expressed its willingness to conduct a 60-40 split of revenue for the joint exploration of natural resources. —JST, GMA News