The Philippines is set to enter into a deal with China to jointly explore energy sources in the disputed West Philippine Sea. Duterte administration officials were in talks with their Chinese counterparts to finalize a deal that could see both governments work hand in hand to find oil or natural gas in what is also known internationally as the South China Sea. "What we are looking at is a deal that will first cover exploration activities in uncontested areas," said an administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the sensitive discussions were still ongoing.

Lucas, D. L. (2016, October 19). PH to agree on joint oil exploration with China in disputed sea. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A19.