According to CNOOC spokesman Liu Jingshan, “The Chunxiao gas field does not cross the borderline even if the Japanese method of demarcation is adopted. There is still several kilometres in distance. Besides, we have never accepted the legitimacy of the Japanese demarcation.”

Liu admits to being befuddled by Japan’s reaction and is puzzled as to why Tokyo chooses to make an issue over Chunxiao when the other CNOOC gas field in the East China Sea, Pinghu, lay further away from China’s coast than Chunxiao.

“The Japanese government never said anything about [Pinghu]. Maybe it’s not that close to the Japanese division line, but we really have no idea where that line is. It’s confusing. The dispute has reached a stalemate and I believe each side should exercise restraint at this time,” said Liu.

Chunxiao is being developed by a consortium made up of CNOOC (30%), Sinopec (30%), Shell (20%) and Unocal (20%). CNOOC is the operator. It is located 350 km east of Ningbo in Zhejiang province. It is expected the field will be able to produce 7.1 million cubic metres of gas per day. Output from the field will be transported to Shanghai and Zhejiang via undersea pipeline.