Tokyo sharply criticises Beijing's maritime activity in East China Sea dispute

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has criticised China over the installation of a new structure in the East China Sea, located west of the geographical median line between the two countries.

In a statement posted on X, the ministry expressed “serious regret” over Beijing’s actions, noting that China continues unilateral resource development in an area where the boundaries of exclusive economic zones and the continental shelf remain unresolved.

We have recently confirmed that China has initiated an installation of a new structure on the west side of the geographical equidistance line between Japan and China in the East China Sea. It is extremely regrettable that China is advancing unilateral development in the East…

— MOFA of Japan (@MofaJapan_en) April 20, 2026

Kanai, Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, lodged a strong protest with Shi Yong, deputy head of China’s diplomatic mission in Japan.

Tokyo also urged Beijing to promptly resume negotiations on implementing the 2008 agreement on joint resource development in the East China Sea.

By Jeyhun Aghazada