Beijing reaffirms position on oil, gas exploitation

China on Tuesday reiterated its position opposing any other country that exploits oil and gas resources in Chinese maritime areas without permission of the Chinese government.

"China has always opposed the exploration and exploitation of ocean oil and gas resources in Chinese sea territories without our permission. We have made representations and taken measures to stop these illegal activities," Deng Zhonghua, director general of the department of boundary and ocean affairs with the Foreign Ministry, said in a Web chat hosted by the website of People's Daily.

According to United Press International, Russian natural gas producer Gazprom said it has reached a deal with Vietnam Oil & Gas Group to exploit two gas blocks in the South China Sea.