Chinese gas exploration in East China Sea 'unacceptable', says Japan's Kishida | South China Morning Post

Japan has lodged an official protest with China after discovering what it claimed were efforts by Beijing to develop gas fields in disputed waters in the East China Sea. Speaking to reporters in the western city of Kyoto on Saturday, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said he was disappointed by China's efforts, calling the move "unacceptable" as he confirmed the diplomatic complaint. Tokyo's foreign ministry released a statement on Friday confirming an increase in Chinese efforts to develop natural resources in the East China Sea, including in areas that are west of the midpoint between Japan and China. Japan "strongly…