Japan protests Chinese plans for gas field

Aug. 10, 2005
The Japanese government has issued a new protest to China over Chunxiao natural gas field in the East China Sea, saying Beijing has the means to start producing from the disputed area.

Eric Watkins
Senior Correspondent

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 10 -- The Japanese government has issued a new protest to China over Chunxiao natural gas field in the East China Sea, saying Beijing has the means to start producing from the disputed area.

"We found that possibilities are high that the Chinese side has placed a pipeline and is ready to put it to practical use at any time," Economy, Trade, and Industry Minister Shoichi Nakagawa told a news conference in Tokyo on Aug 10.

"We have protested to the Chinese government through diplomatic channels, but we have not received any satisfactory reply," Nakagawa said.

Japan claims Chunxiao field might extend into areas to be explored by Teikoku Oil Co. and is concerned about drainage.

In July, China formally protested the decision by the Japanese government to award drilling rights in the area to Teikoku (OGJ Online, July 15, 2005).

Contact Eric Watkins at [email protected].