China said on Tuesday it has an indisputable right to conduct gas exploration in the East China Sea.

"It is a legitimate act for China to conduct exploration in its offshore continental shelves and the exploration is undisputable," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu.

Jiang made the remarks at a regular press conference in response to questioning on a report carried in a Hong Kong newspaper.

The Tai Kung Pao reported in its online edition that the Chunxiao gas field was in operation and natural gas was being supplied to Ningbo in east China's Zhejiang Province.

"The report is wrong," Jiang said.

China and Japan have had disputes on the demarcation of the East China Sea. "We always welcome dialogue and consultations to solve the issue," she said.

So far, six rounds of consultations have been convened between China and Japan but no agreement has been reached.

Source: Xinhua