Home > News > Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary > February 2012 > Wednesday, February 1, 2012 (AM)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 (AM)
Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)
[Provisional Translation]
Q&As
(Abridged)
REPORTER: Changing the subject, I would like to inquire about the flames being emitted from the gas field in the East China Sea, which was also brought up in yesterday's press conference. Please comment on whether the Government has confirmed the facts and expressed protest or approached the Chinese Government after that.
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The incident took place yesterday at the Kashi gas field, which is located on the western side of the central demarcation line between China and Japan. Actually, gas flares have been confirmed at this location since September 2005, indicating the strong possibility, or concern, that production is taking place. We have protested China in the past with regard to this type of activity, as Japan does not condone unilateral development activities amidst a situation there is no agreement concerning the border. Moreover, yesterday we again expressed further protest and approached the Chinese Government. That is the situation.
REPORTER: Does that mean that the diplomatic authorities of Japan yesterday expressed their protest to this?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Yes, the protest was made on January 31.
(Abridged)
