The Chinese government said it had reached a consensus with the Philippines on the conduct of joint exploration of resources in the South China Sea. Reacting to the decision of President Duterte to lift the moratorium on oil and gas explorations in the region, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the two countries “have reached consensus on joint exploration of oil and gas resources in the South China Sea and set up relevant consultation and cooperation mechanisms.” “We hope the two sides will work together for new progress in the joint exploration,” he added during a press briefing in Beijing on Friday.

Mateo, J. (2020, October 18). Beijing claims 'consensus' reached on joint exploration. The Philippine Star, p. 5.