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Japan report spurs call for joint oil hunt
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July 1, 2005
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China has appealed to Japan to jointly develop
oil and gas resources in a disputed sea after a report that Tokyo may approve
drilling rights.
"Neither side should take unilateral action'' before a deal on the East China
Sea dispute, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao. "If there's no
agreement yet on the demarcation, we should go for joint development.''
The Mainichi said Thursday Tokyo is expected to award drilling rights to
Teikoku Oil in a 400-square-kilometer portion of the sea.
China has built a drilling platform east of the line that Japan regards as its
boundary. Tokyo has called for a stop for fear that potentially rich reserves
on its side might be sucked dry.
Teikoku Oil is preparing for test drilling, but has expressed concerns over
exploring in a disputed area.
In a rare sign of cooperation, Japan will send a coastguard patrol boat to
Shanghai tomorrow to take part in a search-and-rescue drill.
The crew of the 1,200-tonne Satsuma will also exchange views with mainland
maritime safety officials. ASSOCIATED PRESS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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