The Philippine Department of Energy claimed on the 29th that the bidding for the 15 oil and gas blocks being launched by the Philippines [will not be delayed], and confirmed that [no Chinese companies are participating].
The Philippine Energy Department stated on that day that currently about 36 Philippine domestic and foreign companies have expressed interest in developing these 15 oil and gas blocks. Deputy Energy Secretary Reyes said that as of noon on the 29th, no Chinese company had submitted prequalification documents, and the relevant submission process ended at 17:00 that afternoon. However, Reyes claimed that Chinese companies could still participate through methods such as forming joint ventures with successful bidders.
The private Philippine News Agency reported that China has protested against the 3rd, 4th, and 5th oil and gas blocks in the fourth round of the Philippine energy contracting project, which are located [in the southeastern part of Palawan Island].
Reyes claimed that the Philippine side's view is that these three blocks are not located in the [disputed area], but rather [in Palawan]. [The illegality of China's claims will be handled by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, while the Philippine Department of Energy, authorized by the President, will continue to promote the energy contracting project.]
Reyes emphasized that he expects investors to show strong interest in these three blocks, predicting that there will be no delays in the contract award. [According to the schedule, bids for Blocks 3, 4, and 5 must be submitted by July 31. The Philippine Energy Department will evaluate within 90 days, then report to the President for final decision.]
Reyes also stated that the Philippines continues to strengthen the security protection of oil and gas exploration projects within its national territory, and part of the revenue from the Malampaya gas field is being used to ensure the safety of oil and gas exploration activities in Philippine waters.
Regarding the Philippine side's comments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei stated on the 28th that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters. Any country or company engaging in oil and gas activities in China's jurisdictional waters without the permission of the Chinese government is illegal. We urge relevant countries to truly abide by the spirit of the "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," refrain from taking actions that complicate and expand disputes in the South China Sea, and make due efforts to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
The Chinese People's Daily also published a commentary on the 29th stating that because some of the 15 blocks are within China's jurisdictional waters, China had already made serious protests last year regarding relevant activities by the Philippines. Not only did the Philippine side fail to seriously address China's serious protests, but it continued its partner practices, confusing public opinion, attempting to create an illusion of [no trouble] for foreign enterprises interested in bidding. The article emphasized that participating in the development of these areas without China's consent cannot avoid trouble. [China's determination to protect its sovereignty is firm, and when necessary, it will undoubtedly take necessary measures to resolve issues.]