China is gravely concerned about Japan's unilateral exploration
decision in disputed waters in the East China Sea, said Chinese
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue in Beijing Wednesday.
Zhang made the remark when asked to comment on the reported
decision of the Japanese government to conduct a unilateral
exploration in disputed waters in the East China Sea in a few
days.
Zhang said China is gravely concerned over the decision and has
made solemn representations to the Japanese side through diplomatic
channels.
China and Japan have disputes on the boundary line of
territorial waters in the East China Sea. China consistently holds
that the disputes should be solved through negotiations, she
said.
The spokeswoman also said China hopes that Japan will act
prudently, fully considering the whole situation of bilateral
relations and the stability of East China Sea region.
She urged Japan not to take any action that may imperil China's
interest and complicate the current situation.
(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2004)