Japan has raised a diplomatic objection to China’s use of mobile drilling rigs in waters near the Japan-China median line in the East China Sea. The Japanese foreign ministry confirmed this action, which is suspected to involve exploratory drilling for a new gas field. The protest was made after the Japan Coast Guard issued a warning about the movement of the vessels.
This incident has reignited tensions over the development of maritime resources in the East China Sea, where the exclusive economic zones of Japan and China are separated by a median line. Despite an agreement in 2008 for joint gas field development, China has reportedly set up drilling facilities on its side of the median line.
China recently imposed a ban on exporting dual-use items with potential military applications to Japan, citing national security reasons. Dual-use items are goods, software, and technologies meant for civilian use but can also be repurposed for military purposes. Japan had previously criticized a structure built by China in disputed waters in August.
The current dispute over drilling rigs adds to existing strains in Sino-Japanese relations, triggered by comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November regarding Taiwan. Takaichi’s remarks about a potential response by Japan to a military attack on Taiwan led to a strong protest from Beijing. In response, Japan decided to issue safety notices to its students in China.
