China and Vietnam agreed that they intend, together with the Philippines, to explore and develop oil and gas in disputed areas in the South China Sea, state media reported, quoting Premier Wen Jiabao's statement Monday at the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Council in Kunming, Yunnan province. He met his Vietnamese counterpart, Phan Van Khai. Wen said he hoped the three countries would begin joint prospecting as soon as possible.