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Japan, a key U.S. ally, has accused China of constructing a maritime structure in the East China Sea, where both countries have yet to delimit their exclusive economic zones (EEZs).
In response, China stated that its oil and gas development activities in the East China Sea are “undisputed waters” under its jurisdiction and fall entirely within its sovereign rights.
As part of America’s containment strategy, Japan forms part of the First Island Chain—a defensive line intended to restrict China’s military activity in nearby waters. While Japan and China have yet to formally agree on the boundaries of their 230-mile-wide EEZs in the East China Sea, Tokyo has accused Beijing of accelerating development activities by installing 21 structures to exploit the region’s natural resources.
According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, coastal states have sovereign rights to explore and exploit natural resources within their EEZs. The East China Sea is believed to contain significant reserves of oil and natural gas.
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Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that China has begun installing an unidentified maritime structure on the western side of the equidistance line between the two countries in the East China Sea. All known Chinese structures are located at 19 sites, with two containing two structures each.
Tokyo stated, “It is extremely regrettable that China is advancing unilateral development in the East China Sea,” and added that it had lodged a strong protest with Beijing. The Japanese ministry called for negotiations to implement the June 2008 Agreement, under which both sides agreed to cooperate on joint natural resource development.
China responded at a press conference by emphasizing its commitment to fully implementing consensus principles regarding the East China Sea issue and hoping for constructive cooperation between Japan and China in resuming negotiations.
The recent developments follow reports of a Japanese MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone being deployed in the region, where Beijing claims the Tokyo-administered Senkaku Islands as part of its territory (known as the Diaoyu Islands).
South Korea has also discovered three structures installed by China in the Yellow Sea, where both nations’ EEZs overlap. Beijing claims these are aquaculture facilities.
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: “The Government of Japan once again strongly requests China to cease its unilateral development and to resume negotiations as soon as possible on the implementation of the June 2008 Agreement.”
Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, stated at a press conference: “China adheres to and is committed to fully and effectively implementing the consensus on principles regarding the East China Sea issue. We hope that Japan and China will meet halfway and play a constructive role in resuming negotiations between the two governments.”
It remains to be seen whether Japan will strengthen its maritime presence in the East China Sea by deploying additional naval and coast guard units.
