A joint exploration and development of contested resource-rich areas in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) is possible but China is unlikely to make a deal with President Benigno Aquino 3rd because of his flip-flopping tendencies, according to a leading political analyst and geopolitics expert.

Professor Richard Javad Heydarian of the De La Salle University in Manila expressed belief that the joint exploration of reefs and islands being claimed by the Philippines and China is “quite unlikely” under current conditions.