Law of the Sea - Exclusive Economic Zone

Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada lodged a protest with the Chinese Ambassador over a Chinese marine survey ship chasing a Japan Coast Guard vessel engaging in seafloor research at a place on the Japanese side of the median line, claimed by Japan to distinguish the exclusive economic zones of the two countries. Okada said China's action "'violates Japan's sovereign rights''. In response, a Chinese FM spokeswoman said the Chinese operation was "totally proper and legitimate", as China does not recognise the median line claimed by Japan.