The Japanese Foreign Ministry has confirmed that China is constructing a new structure on the Chinese side of the median line in the East China Sea, an area long contested by both nations.
The structure is believed to be part of ongoing resource development activities, which Japan has criticized as unilateral and in violation of prior agreements.
In response, Masaaki Kanai, Director-General of the Ministry’s Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, issued a formal written protest to Shi Yong, an official at the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo. Kanai expressed Japan’s strong regret, emphasizing that such development efforts are deeply concerning—particularly as the two countries have not yet officially demarcated their exclusive economic zones (EEZs) in the area.
Japan and China had previously agreed to jointly develop resources in the East China Sea. However, talks on the implementation of the agreement have stalled for years. Despite the deadlock, China has reportedly continued its activities, with at least 18 structures now confirmed to have been built in the disputed zone.
The latest development adds to growing tensions in the region, as both nations vie for control and access to potentially rich underwater resources.
