China is willing to engage in marine cooperation, including joint scientific research projects with the Philippines, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. Foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang’s statement came after acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said that the Philippines has turned down China’s request for scientific research on Benham Rise off the eastern seaboard of Luzon, because China refused to take Filipino scientists on board for research visits. Lu reiterated that China fully respects the right of the Philippines to the continental shelf of Benham Rise and has been committed to the provision of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which stipulates that a country should seek permission from a littoral state prior to carrying out scientific research activities in territorial waters, exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and continental shelves of that state.

Lee-Brago, P. (2017, April 4). China open to marine research cooperation with Phl. Philippine Star, p. 7.