The EEZ, which is not recognised by China, is in the East China Sea. As various reports in EnergyReview.net have indicated, this is the latest chapter in a burgeoning war of words between the two neighbours over territorial claims and gas reserves in the area.

Multiple accounts in the Japanese media have attributed Nakagawa as stating, “We have obtained information that China has set up gas facilities in several locations within Japan’s EEZ. The Chinese decision [will] trigger a diplomatic dispute.”

“Ignoring the EEZ is unfriendly [and] Japan will ask whether Beijing has given approval for a gas project within the zone at a bilateral working-level meeting, expected to be held by the end of the month,” added Nakagawa without elaborating further.