CHINA seemed not so interested in the abundant fish at the West Philippine Sea as its 74-meter long research vessel stopped at the Recto Bank, which according to previous studies could hold up to 5.4 billion barrels of oil and 55.1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
According to Retired American Air Force officer Ray Powell in his capacity as director of maritime transparency initiative SeaLight, China’s Ke Xue San Hao research vessel seemed to be exploring the resource-rich Recto Bank after it was reported to be navigating the West Philippine Sea in a zigzag motion.
Powell in his previous report said that China’s Ke Xue San Hao was exploring reefs and shoals in the west of Palawan.
However, Powell took note of China’s research vessel as entering the south part of Recto Bank at 10:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Recto Bank, situated well within the 200-nautical mile Philippine exclusive economic zone, is an underwater reef formation known for its huge reserves of oil and natural gas situated 85 nautical miles from Palawan.
Despite studies proving its potential, the Philippine government hasn’t been able to make use of Recto Bank’s resources in view of a maritime dispute with China.
A 2013 report from the United States Energy Information Administration said Reed Bank could hold up to 5.4 billion barrels of oil and 55.1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. (ANGEL F. JOSE)
