Japan Protests China's East China Sea Gas Drilling Amid Rising Tensions

• Japan formally protested China's mobile gas drilling vessel in the East China Sea, reigniting a long-standing maritime dispute.
• The vessel was spotted in waters believed to be rich in gas deposits, where both nations have competing territorial claims.
• The dispute stems from unresolved boundaries for Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and continental shelves.
• Japan insists on a median line boundary, while China claims the border should be closer to Japan based on continental shelf features.
• Tensions are heightened by recent remarks from PM Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan and China's subsequent export ban to Japan.

Why It Matters: Japan protests China's gas drilling in East China Sea, escalating maritime and diplomatic tensions.