Former Self-Defense Force official: China is playing a major game in the East China Sea oil and gas fields

Kunio Miyata, a former official of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force responsible for defense in Northeast Asia, wrote on July 23 in PRESIDENT ONLINE that since the beginning of this year, construction and expansion of Chinese drilling equipment at the East China Sea oil and gas fields have progressed rapidly. China’s goals go beyond securing resources—it is part of a broader strategy to build a maritime power and effectively control the East China Sea.

The article states: By the end of June, Chief Cabinet Secretary Kiwami announced at a press conference that it had been confirmed Chinese vessels had discovered a new mobile drilling rig in waters west of the so-called “middle line” in the East China Sea. This clearly indicates plans for new natural gas exploration. Kiwami said: “Despite repeated protests, China continues unilateral development activities, attempting to turn them into fait accompli—this is deeply regrettable.”

Miyata believes: “The boundary between the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and continental shelves of the two countries in the East China Sea has not yet been demarcated. Japan advocates using the geographical median line as the boundary, but China claims the East China Sea continental shelf extends all the way to the Okinawa Trough and has been developing resources within its claimed jurisdiction. To date, China has already installed 23 steel structures near the median line.”

“Although a significant joint development agreement was reached in 2008, negotiations have stalled since 2010. This issue has remained unresolved.”

According to Japan’s Coast Guard, a new offshore platform facility has appeared near the newly constructed drilling vessel. Moreover, another mobile drilling rig has also been confirmed operating in the area. This move reflects China’s maritime policy.

“For China, the East China Sea is not only rich in natural gas and fisheries resources, but also serves as a vital maritime corridor connecting China’s coastline with the Western Pacific. It is a gateway for deploying naval and air forces into the Western Pacific.”

Miyata further wrote: China refers to the chain stretching from the Japanese archipelago through the Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan Island, and the Philippines as the 'First Island Chain,' aiming to achieve stable operational capabilities even beyond this island chain in the Western Pacific. To this end, large supply ships have been deployed to enhance maritime combat capability, and aerial refueling capacity has increased to extend the operational range of fighter jets and bombers. Joint training between the navy and air force is also increasing, preparing for sustained operations in distant maritime and airspace regions.

“Therefore, in recent years, opportunities for Chinese naval vessels to enter the Western Pacific via the Miyako Strait and Tsushima Strait have increased. Chinese military aircraft have repeatedly flown back and forth between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island, with bombers, fighters, and electronic warfare planes conducting long-range missions.”

Miyata analyzed: Behind these actions lies China’s goal of “building a powerful maritime nation,” with expanding maritime rights and interests as a key policy focus.

“China has deployed patrol vessels of up to 10,000 tons, capable of maintaining continuous, seamless patrols around the Diaoyu Islands. Oceanographic research vessels and survey ships are also advancing investigations into seabed topography and resources.”

“At first glance, these actions may appear fragmented. The main institutions involved include the navy, coast guard, oceanographic research agencies, state-owned enterprises, and other independent bodies. However, these policies are not isolated. On the contrary, each plays a specific role, complementing one another and collectively enhancing China’s control and utilization of the oceans.”

In his article, Miyata cited the South China Sea as an example: “Take the South China Sea as an illustration—it becomes clear. Step by step, initiatives in fisheries activities, marine surveys, administrative management, artificial island construction, and the development of ports and airports in the South China Sea have increased the number of available bases in the region. Although each initiative is led by different entities, their long-term integration has steadily expanded their influence in maritime affairs.”

“The addition of drilling rigs in the East China Sea is also part of this series of policies. Continuing measures in the East China Sea are crucial. Gas field development projects play a vital role in securing energy resources and are extremely important for the overall maritime strategy.”

“As previously mentioned, more drilling rigs will be added in the East China Sea and are expected to operate in coordination with existing offshore facilities and drilling equipment. To maintain the equipment and ensure uninterrupted operations through rotation, a continuous system for personnel, supplies, materials, and maintenance support is required. This event demonstrates that such a system has already been established and is actually functioning.”

If gas field development in the East China Sea proceeds without interruption, coast guard patrols and scientific research vessel surveys will also expand, leading to full-scale operations by Chinese enterprises and official institutions in these waters. By accumulating operational experience during peacetime while simultaneously reducing the risk of military conflict, China’s presence at sea will grow steadily. This is precisely China’s intent.”

In his article, Miyata offered recommendations to the Japanese government: “Monitor where exactly Chinese coast guard vessels have increased their navigation days? How far has oceanic research been extended? Which areas have resource development vessels been deployed to, and how long have they been stationed there?”

“It is crucial to continuously observe these changes and analyze the relationships among each event and every shift. By comprehensively tracking developments in resource exploitation, marine surveys, coast guard operations, and movements of Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels, we can identify the priority maritime regions and policies being pursued by China.”

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871465557822475/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.