A part of the joint marine seismic undertaking in the disputed South China Sea area, the first phase of the three-year offshore collaboration agreement, signed in March, was completed yesterday, according to China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC).

China Oilfield Services Ltd (COSL), a major CNOOC subsidiary, is the operator of the marine seismic undertaking. The company had collected two-dimensional seismic data covering 11,020 kilometers by yesterday.

According to the accord inked by China, the Philippines and Viet Nam, they will jointly gather two-dimensional and three-dimensional seismic data in the 140,000-square kilometers offshore area of the South China Sea within three years.

"Since the beginning of the joint undertaking, the three governments of China, the Philippines and Viet Nam have given great support to three state-owned oil companies in the exploration partnership, and the project has proceeded smoothly," CNOOC said in a statement.

The Beijing-based oil company said the partnership, based on the principle of "putting aside disputes and jointly developing resources," represents an important step of the three countries to jointly implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

The declaration, signed between China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2002, is a major political document on resolving disputes in the South China Sea by peaceful means.

(China Daily November 17, 2005)