Japan deal does not harm sovereignty

China's sovereignty over the resource-rich area in East China Sea has not been undermined by the agreement with Japan to explore it jointly for gas.

Vice-Foreign Minister Wu Dawei said this yesterday, rubbishing media reports to the contrary.

Making an unusual appearance at the Foreign Ministry's regular news briefing, he said: 'The consensus reached by China and Japan will not harm China's sovereignty and jurisdiction over the East China Sea."