BEIJING. Feb 1: China has discovered Its largest offshore oilfield with reserves of 600 million tons in the northeast of the country, state media reported today, says AFP.

The fina came as the country's land oil reserves are diminishing. with Chinese scientists predicting an oil shortage in 50 years, Xinhua news agency said.

The new field was expected to boost the yearly oil output from the Bohal Sea area to more than 10 mllfion tons in the next few years. Deng Yunhua. the geologist heading oil developmei t In the region was quoted as saying. The discovery marks a turnaround from Initially disappointing results after part of the Bohai was opened to overseas prospectors In 1980.

The find came after Chinese geologists changed tack and started looking for oilfields at a depth of around 1.000 metres (3.000 feet), following unsuccessful 3.000-metre deep searches, the report said.

The field represents the biggest find in 30 years for USbased Phillips OU Corporation. Jointly exploring the area with the China National Offshore OU Corporation.