LOC12:20
09:20 GMT
TOKYO, July 18 (KUNA) -- Japan on Thursday expressed opposition to China's
move to unilaterally develop natural gas in the disputed East China Sea, amid
tensions over a territorial dispute between Asia's two biggest energy users.
"Japan and China have agreed to make the East China Sea 'a sea of peace,
friendship and cooperation.' It is not acceptable if China is unilaterally
developing natural gas resources there," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide
Suga told a news conference, referring to media reports saying China's
state-run oil companies plan to develop new gas fields near the disputed
median line in the East China Sea. Suga also said the government is trying to
verify the facts with the Chinese side.
Citing Chinese industry officials, reports mentioned Wednesday that China
National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and several other firms plan to
develop seven new gas fields in the area, adding that CNOOC is expected to
submit the plan for government approval soon.
Two of the seven gas fields are near China's median line with Japan,
according to the report. Japan is worried that China may siphon gas from the
Japanese side. Earlier this month, Japan confirmed a Chinese crane ship was
building a mining facility about 26 kilometers into the Chinese side of the
median line.
Relations between the two countries have sharply deteriorated since Tokyo's
nationalization of three of the five major Japan-administered islands in the
East China Sea last September through purchase from a private Japanese owner.
The small chain of uninhabited rocky islands, claimed by Japan, China and
Taiwan, lie in rich fishing grounds and waters thought to contain large
deposits of oil and natural gas. In 2008, Japan and China struck a landmark
deal on joint development of natural gas fields in the East China Sea, but the
talks on details have stalled. (end)
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KUNA 181220 Jul 13NNNN