China Willing to Hold Talks With Japan on East China Sea Gasfield – Spokesman

Text of report by reporter Sun Yuting by official Chinese news agency Xinhua (New China News Agency) Asia-Pacific service

Beijing, 20 September: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at a regular news conference here today that China has clarified its position on many occasions on the issue of gasfields in the East China Sea, which is:

China’s exploration in the gasfield is conducted in undisputed waters near China’s coast and we are willing to continue dialogue with the Japanese side so as to resolve the issue and maintain a stable situation in the East China Sea. This position of ours has not changed.

Qin Gang said that the next round requires further contact and consultations by the two sides.