(File Photo)

Sinopec Corp, China's second largest oil and gas producer, announced on Jan. 6 that it has struck oil and gas in a test well just off Beibu Bay, near China's southwestern coast, marking a rare offshore discovery by the state-owned firm, which is largely focused onshore.

The Wei-4 well, about 110 kilometers southwest of the coastal city of Beihai, tested a daily output of 1,264 metric tons of crude oil and 71,800 cubic meters of natural gas in its first layer. Oil-bearing layers nearly 100 meters thick have been confirmed.

 On the second layer, Sinopec struck 1,184 tons of oil flow per day, along with 76,000 cubic meters of natural gas, the highest yield in a single well in the company’s history. It brings hope for a breakthrough in exploration around these waters, and will play a significant role in accelerating the construction of China's offshore energy base.

 The Wei-4 well has a design depth of 3,783 meters. Drilling began on Nov. 14, 2015.