CNOOC Ltd said in a statement on Wednesday that its parent company China National Offshore Oil Corp has signed two production sharing contracts with Chevron China Energy Co for two blocks in the South China Sea.

The blocks are located in Xijiang Sag, in the Pearl River Mouth Basin in the east part of the South China Sea. They cover a total area of 5,782 square kilometers with water depths of 50 to 100 meters.

According to the terms of the contract, Chevron will conduct 3D seismic data surveys in the two blocks during the exploration period, in which all expenditures incurred will be borne by Chevron.

CNOOC has the right to participate in up to 51 percent working interest in any commercial discoveries in the blocks.