China says Japan ‘generating new conflicts’ over gas field dispute

BEIJING (AFP) – China has accused Japan of “generating new conflicts” in a drawn-out battle over oil and gas exploration near disputed waters in the East China Sea.

“China’s oil and gas exploration on its own continental shelf in the East China Sea is a normal exploration activity. It is beyond reproach,” foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said in a statement on the ministry’s website.

“China and Japan’s dispute over the demarcation in the East Sea should be resolved through negotiation,” the statement said.

“China is opposed to Japan making new conflicts and troubles.”

AFP