May 31, 2010
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama says he has informed Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao of Japanese concerns over China's naval behavior in the East China Sea.
Hatoyama told reporters that during his meeting with Wen on Monday, he raised the issue of Chinese helicopters twice buzzing Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels in waters off Okinawa in April.
Hatoyama also said Wen agreed to start formal negotiations for a joint oil and gas development project in the East China Sea. Japan has been pushing hard for the project.
Hatoyama said Wen explained that China wants to make the East China Sea, "a sea of fraternity."
The prime minister said he believes Wen agreed to the oil field talks because China feels favorably toward the Hatoyama administration.
Hatoyama said his government also regards relations with China as more important than previous governments did.
2010/05/31 22:08(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)
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