China today asked Japan to stop its unilateral marine research in disputed areas of the East China Sea.
A Chinese vessel yesterday radioed the Japanese Coast Guard ship Takuyo and asked it to stop its activities in disputed areas of the East China Sea, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.
Chinese media quoted Japan's government spokesman Osamu Fujimura today as saying that the marine research was conducted in the country's exclusive economic zone. China also claims sovereignty in the exclusive economic zone.
"China's stance on the East China Sea is clear and consistent," said Hong.
China has expressed dissatisfaction over Japan's unilateral marine research in disputed areas of the East China Sea regardless of China's opposition, he said.
He said China has requested the Japanese side stop relevant activities and avoid damaging China's right and interests, in a bid to safeguard the stability of the East China Sea and the overall relations between the two countries.
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