Discussions were held by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and China, and the Japanese side over the development of gas fields in the East China Sea, and the fact that China installed excavation equipment in the waters on the Chinese side of the middle line between Japan and China is a one-sided development. He repeatedly protested, saying that he was extremely regrettable.
On the 23rd, Mr. Funakoshi, Director General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a video conference-style discussion with Mr. Hong Ryo, Director General of the Border and Ocean Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, on maritime issues for about three hours.
Among them, Director Funakoshi said that it is extremely regrettable that China installed equipment for excavation in the waters on the Chinese side of the middle line between Japan and China over the development of gas fields in the East China Sea. I protested again.
Then, based on the 2008 agreement that the Japanese and Chinese governments would jointly develop, we urged them to promptly respond to the resumption of negotiations to conclude the relevant treaties.
In addition, on the 4th of this month, Director Funakoshi obtained the consent of Japan that a Chinese marine research vessel introduced a highly probable observation instrument into the sea in Japan's EEZ = Exclusive Economic Zone around Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture. I strongly protested that it was not an oceanographic survey.
Meanwhile, the talks confirmed that in order to prevent accidental clashes between the Self-Defense Forces and the Chinese military, adjustments will be made toward the early establishment of a "hotline" in which senior defense officials will be in contact.