Q: It is reported that during the meeting between Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and his Japanese counterpart Katsuya Okada, the Japanese side requested an early start of negotiations on exchange of letters and said it would take corresponding measures should violations of the consensus occur, such as China unilaterally explores Chunxiao. Could you please brief us on the meeting?

A: Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi elaborated China's position on the East China Sea and emphasized that China enjoys sovereign rights over Chunxiao oil-gas field. It is stipulated in the principled consensus that Japan can make investment to participate in the cooperative development according to Chinese law, which is different in nature from joint development. China will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights in the East China Sea. Foreign Minister Yang also noted that handling the issue prudently and properly is of great significance to the overall development of China-Japan relations and regional stability. The two sides agreed to stay in contact on the East China Sea issue at the working level.