China and Japan have planned to hold next round of consultations on the issue of the East China Sea in October, but have not set a specific date. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Kong Quan said on October 27 in response to a reporter's questions that there has been no new information available on the specific date of next round of consultations on the issue.

With regard to the East China Sea issue Kong said China's stand on the issue is very clear. According to Article 77 of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the coastal State exercises over the continental shelf sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring it and exploiting its natural resources. China's related oil and natural gas exploitation is conducted in China's indisputable coastal waters. It is a normal activity by which China exercises its sovereign rights.

By People's Daily Online