China explores oil and gas at oil rig Haiyang-981. (Photo: baodanang.vn)

(VOVworld) - The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) announced on Tuesday its complete drilling and exploration near Vietnam's Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago. CNPC started drilling two wells in early May and completed the work on May 27 and on July 15. Its statement said CNPC may have found oil and gas in this area and will analyze data collected to consider next steps. The drilling rig will be relocated for operation in Hainan Island.

CNPC’s drilling rig operated illegally in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone despite strong protests from Vietnam and the world.