The Philippines could forge a 60-40 sharing scheme in the planned joint exploration with China in the South China Sea, President Duterte proposed last Thursday amid improving ties between the two nations. The President opted to offer a “better deal” with China – 40% of the stake – on the joint sea exploration, rather than go to war over the disputed territory which he said would only result in the loss of Filipino lives. “Precisely I said when the issue of the China Sea, leave it at that. It’s geopolitics. Anyway, China has offered joint exploration and joint operation,” Duterte said before assembly Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines in Davao City last Thursday.

Kabiling, G. D. (2018, April 28). Duterte offers 60-40 deal with China Joint South China Sea exploration planned. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 6.