Japan Protests China's New Structure in East China Sea

Japan has formally protested China's recent construction of a new structure in the East China Sea, escalating tensions over contested maritime boundaries.

 

The Japanese Foreign Ministry confirmed that China is installing a new facility on the Chinese side of the median line between the two nations.

 

This unilateral action is viewed as a direct challenge to Japan's territorial claims.

 

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed deep concern, stating, "It is extremely regrettable that China is advancing unilateral development in the East China Sea while the Exclusive Economic Zone and the continental shelf in the East China Sea have not yet been delimited."

 

Kanai Masaaki, Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, lodged a strong protest with Shi Yong, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo.

 

Kanai urged China to halt its activities and resume stalled talks on resource cooperation.

 

Japan considers the median line, located between the two countries’ coastlines, as the official maritime border under its domestic law, while China claims its exclusive economic zone extends much farther.

 

Although Japan and China agreed in 2008 to jointly develop gas fields in the region, negotiations have been stalled for some time.

 

This latest development underscores the fragile nature of Japan-China relations and the complexities of maritime disputes in the East China Sea.

 

Japan continues to advocate for diplomatic solutions and adherence to international maritime laws to resolve these ongoing issues.