Storm signals on China-Japan sea rights

BEIJING, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Ancient battles between China and Japan over the rights to the East China Sea are being revived because of new treasures -- gas and oil.

At a news conference Tuesday in Beijing to announce a meeting with Japan next Monday over sea rights, spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said the issue of delineation of rights in the East China Sea was an issue where "indeed disputes are the reality."

China and Japan have a history of sea economic disputes going back at least six centuries, to the Ming dynasty. Both countries claim exclusive economic rights in an area less than 200 nautical miles apart from one another's land territory.

"The search for petroleum resources are within China's sovereign offshore areas," Zhang stated.

She added: "However, in order to further safeguard and promote China's friendship with Japan, China proposed that consultations be held to solve these issues. On Oct. 25, such consultations will be held."

Cui Tiankai, director general of the Asian Department in the foreign ministry, will lead the Chinese team, with Mitoji Yabunaka, head of the Asian and Oceania Affairs Bureau heading the Japanese delegation.

Asked by a Japanese reporter to confirm oil and gas exploration are part of their talks, Zhang said, "If the Japanese side does not have any suspicions or misgivings, we can discuss those questions during our consultation on the 25th."