China, Japan Open Talks on East China Sea Gas Dispute

Chinese and Japanese officials have opened talks in Beijing on a long-standing dispute over drilling rights in the East China Sea. Before the start of Friday's meeting, Tokyo's head negotiator, said the Japanese side is hoping for new proposals from Beijing, after seven rounds of talks failed to yield substantial results.

Chinese Foreign Ministry officia, who leads China's delegation, says China wants to reach a joint development plan acceptable to both sides.

During a visit to Japan last month by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, the two sides agreed to find a compromise that would allow joint energy development.

The disputed area between eastern China and Japan's southern island chain of Okinawa is rich in gas deposits.

中国和日本官员在北京就长期争执的东海资源开采权问题举行谈判。东京首席谈判代表在星期五的会晤之前表示，日本方面希望在前7轮谈判没有产生实质性结果后，北京能够提出新建议。

率领中国代表团的外交部官员表示，中国希望达成双方都能够接受的一项联合开发计划。

在中国总理温家宝上个月访日期间，中日双方一致同意，寻求一项能够让双方共同开发能源的妥协方案。

中国东部和日本南部冲绳列岛之间有争议的海域蕴藏着丰富的天然气资源。