Improving relations between China and the Philippines have bolstered prospects for a joint exploration in the South China Sea despite still-unresolved maritime disputes, BMI Research said. “We believe improving bilateral ties between the two countries increases the chances of a joint-exploration in the disputed waters,” the Fitch-owned company said in a report released on Tuesday. It cited a greater scope for cooperation between Beijing and Manila as a result of the conciliatory approach adopted by President Rodrigo Duterte towards China.

Lagare, J. (2017, September 14). BMI upbeat on South China Sea exploration. The Manila Times, p. B2.