China, Japan reach consensus on East China Sea issue

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Source: CCTV.com | 06-19-2008 09:53

China and Japan have reached principled consensus on the East China Sea issue. Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Jiang Yu says it was done through consultations on an equal footing.

China and Japan have agreed that the two sides will conduct cooperation in the transitional period prior to delimitation without prejudicing their respective legal positions.

The map of East China Sea.(Photo: fmprc.gov.cn)

The first step in the joint development sets out specifics. 

The block for joint development shall be the area that is bounded by straight lines joining the following points in the order listed:

1. Latitude 29°31' North, longitude 125°53'30" East
   2. Latitude 29°49' North, longitude 125°53'30" East
   3. Latitude 30°04' North, longitude 126°03'45" East
   4. Latitude 30°00' North, longitude 126°10'23" East
   5. Latitude 30°00' North, longitude 126°20'00" East
   6. Latitude 29°55' North, longitude 126°26'00" East
   7. Latitude 29°31' North, longitude 126°26'00" East

The two sides will, through joint exploration, select by mutual agreement areas for joint development in the specified block, under the principle of mutual benefit.

The two sides will work to fulfill their respective domestic procedures and arrive at the necessary bilateral agreement at an early date.

The two sides have agreed to continue consultations for the early realization of joint development in other parts of the East China Sea.

Chinese enterprises welcome the participation of Japanese legal entities in the development of the existing oil and gas field in Chunxiao in accordance with the relevant laws of China governing cooperation with foreign enterprises in the exploration and
exploitation of offshore petroleum resources.

The governments of China and Japan have confirmed this, and will work to reach agreement on the exchange of notes as necessary and exchange them at an early date. The two sides will fulfill
their respective domestic procedures as required. 

Editor:Xiong Qu