The Chinese flag. (©Sankei/Shohei Mitsuka）
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China appears to have begun another gas exploration drilling operation in waters near the median line between the two countries in the East China Sea, following reports that Beijing recently launched a separate drilling project in the same area.
It is unusual for China to begin multiple drilling operations within such a short period. The Japanese government has lodged a strong protest, accusing China of accelerating its unilateral development of the disputed waters, including the construction of platforms that could support permanent drilling.
Japan Lodges Diplomatic Protests
According to government officials, it was confirmed on June 26 that China had anchored a mobile drilling rig to the seabed on the Chinese side of the median line, about 400 kilometers (about 250 mi) northwest of Okinawa's main island, and had apparently begun a new exploratory drilling operation.
On the same day, Japan protested through diplomatic channels, stating that it "cannot accept unilateral development activities or attempts to create a fait accompli in waters where maritime boundaries have not yet been delimited."
China had also anchored another drilling rig to the seabed in nearby waters on June 22, prompting Japan to lodge a separate strong protest. Government officials said Beijing responded to both protests by reiterating its own position, which Japan rejects.
Calls to Resume Talks
In April, China constructed a platform in waters on its side of the median line in the East China Sea that could enable permanent drilling. Masaaki Kanai, Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau at Japan's foreign ministry, lodged a protest with Shi Yong, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Japan.
However, Beijing has refused to remove the structure. Japan has confirmed a total of 23 such Chinese structures in the East China Sea to date.
Under a 2008 agreement, Tokyo and Beijing agreed to cooperate on East China Sea gas field development without prejudicing either side's legal position until the maritime boundary around the median line is formally delimited.
Despite the agreement, China has increasingly pursued unilateral development, and Japan is calling for an early resumption of bilateral negotiations.
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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