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Japan Protests China's Gas Drilling in East China Sea Amid Rising Tensions

Japan has formally protested China's operation of mobile drilling rigs for suspected gas exploration on the Chinese side of the median line in the East China Sea. The action revives long-standing tensions over maritime resource development in an area where exclusive economic zones overlap. This dispute occurs amid already strained relations following remarks by Japan's Prime Minister about a potential Taiwan contingency. China had also recently imposed a ban on exports of dual-use items to Japan, citing national security.

Key Points: Japan Protests China Gas Drilling in East China Sea

  • Japan protests Chinese drilling rigs
  • Activity near Japan-China median line
  • Revives East China Sea resource tensions
  • Follows Taiwan contingency remarks
  • China banned dual-use exports to Japan
2 min read

Japan protests China's gas field exploration: Report

Japan lodges diplomatic protest over China's exploratory gas drilling near median line, reviving maritime tensions and strained bilateral ties.

"a military attack on Taiwan could amount to a 'survival-threatening situation' for Japan - Sanae Takaichi"

New Delhi, Jan 8

Japan has lodged a diplomatic protest over China's operation of mobile drilling rigs in waters on the Chinese side of the Japan‑China median line in the East China Sea, according to its foreign ministry.

The ministry confirmed the activity, believed to be exploratory drilling for a new gas field, after the Japan Coast Guard issued a navigation warning about the vessels' movements.

Tokyo said the protest was submitted through diplomatic channels last Friday. The incident revives tensions over maritime resource development in the East China Sea, where the two countries' exclusive economic zones are divided by a median line.

In 2008, Tokyo and Beijing agreed to jointly develop gas fields in the area, but China has allegedly constructed several drilling facilities on its side of the median line separating the exclusive economic zones of the two countries in the sea.

China's Ministry of Commerce had earlier this month announced an immediate ban on exports of all dual-use items with potential military applications to Japan, citing national security concerns. Dual-use items refer to goods, software and technologies that are intended for legitimate civilian applications but may also be repurposed for military use.

Japan had earlier denounced a "structure" built by China in the disputed waters in August.

The new tensions regarding drilling rigs occur amid already strained Sino‑Japanese ties following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in early November about a Taiwan contingency.

Beijing launched a sharp protest after Takaichi, known for her pro-Taiwan stance, stated before a parliamentary committee on November 7, 2025 that a military attack on Taiwan could amount to a 'survival-threatening situation' for Japan, hinting at a potential response involving the Japanese Self-Defence Forces.

The Japanese government then announced plans to issue a safety notice to its students studying at schools and universities across China.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The 2008 agreement was supposed to bring cooperation, but unilateral actions break trust. It's worrying for regional stability. Hope diplomacy prevails.
R
Rohit P
China bans dual-use exports, Japan protests drilling... tit-for-tat while energy security is at stake. Both nations should focus on dialogue for the sake of their people.
S
Sarah B
The Taiwan angle makes this much more serious. A Japanese PM's comments triggering this shows how interconnected these issues are. A delicate situation.
V
Vikram M
As an Indian, I understand Japan's concern completely. We face similar challenges. Strong alliances and respect for sovereignty are key. Japan issuing safety notices to students is a telling sign of the tension.
K
Karthik V
While China's actions are aggressive, I hope Japan's response is measured. Escalation helps no one. The focus should be back on the 2008 joint development framework. Let's not forget the promise of cooperation.

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