CHINA US Focus - Perspectives shaping the world's most important bilateral relationship

Philippine President Benigno Aquino said he’s open to an agreement with China that would allow companies to exploit oil and gas resources while the governments separately resolve South China Sea border disputes.

 

Aquino said his administration may split the issues to “have a political discussion on one side” and “have commercial issues on another side,” speaking in a May 4 interview at Malacanang Palace in Manila. “So long as our sovereignty is respected, we are open to partner with them.”