Philippines lifts yearslong ban on energy exploration in disputed South China Sea

On Thursday, October 15, Philippines officials informed that President Rodrigo Duterte has lifted ban on oil and gas exploration in regions of disputed South China Sea. ban was put in place six years ago in wake of territorial tensions with China.

As per reports, Philippines' Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said that companies provided with contracts for oil and gas in three regions off western Philippines coast have been given official orders to resume operations, which includes a region rich in oil and gas called Reed Bank. 

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Territorial tensions

In response, Chinese warships have tried an offensive against a Philippines vessel in Reed Bank region but it was still t clear if China was aware of Philippine decision at time. Since taking office in 2016, Duterte has maintained friendly relations with China and put off territorial tensions in his initial years to avoid any untoward incidences with China. 

As per reports, Cusi thanked Philippines president for approving energy department’s recommendation to lift yearslong ban on energy exploration. He said, "We need to explore so we may dress country’s energy security". 

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As per reports,  move comes as an offshore gas field, Malampaya, situated closer to western province of Palawan, which provides for about 40% of Philippine's power needs for rrn Luzon region, is expected to run out of its reserves in near future. 

Cusi said, "With impending depletion of our natural gas reserve in Malampaya... re is an urgent imperative to resume exploration, development, and production activities within our exclusive ecomic zone to ensure continuity of supply of indigeus resources in country". 

Philippines Energy Secretary ded that decision by government to lift ban places exploration companies “under legal obligation to put capital into contract areas and hire Filipi engineers and technical workers to resume exploration".  Cusi is also reported to have ded that foreign direct investments into exploration sector will help boost country's ecomy which has alrey been shattered by coronavirus pandemic. 

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South China Sea dispute

South China Sea dispute involves both island and maritime claims by several countries in region including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam as opposed to China’s claim on basis of nine-dash line map. strategic region of South China Sea is vital to global tre routes but it clashes with China’s ambitious Belt and Ro Initiative (BRI).

United States has deemed Beijing’s claims to offshore resources across most of South China Sea as “completely unlawful”. US State Secretary Mike Pompeo said in July that Beijing has offered coherent legal basis for its “Nine-Dashed Line” claim in South China Sea since formally anuncing it in 2009.

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Inputs/Im: AP