China confirms sending warships to E. China Sea

Reported here:

The Chinese government confirmed it sent warships to a disputed area of the East China Sea on Sept. 29, a day ahead of talks with Japan over territorial claims to waters in which both sides want to drill (OGJ Online, Sept. 27, 2005).

"I can now confirm that in the East China Sea, a Chinese reserve vessel squadron has been established," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang. "The establishment of this vessel squadron is aimed at handling emergency situations like rapid mobilization and assistance at sea during peacetime, while also raising the ability of the navy."

Chinese state media earlier said the warships would be ready for combat if necessary, being equipped to "eliminate obstacles at sea" in war or peace...Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which Japan and China have signed, countries can claim economic zones extending 200 nautical miles from their coastlines. In the case of the East China Sea, however, the disputed site lies within the 200-mile area claimed by both countries.

It's all about...oil and gas.