China is gravely concerned about Japan's unilateral exploration decision in disputed waters in the East China Sea, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue in Beijing Wednesday.

Zhang made the remark when asked to comment on the reported decision of the Japanese government to conduct a unilateral exploration in disputed waters in the East China Sea in a few days.

Zhang said China is gravely concerned over the decision and has made solemn representations to the Japanese side through diplomatic channels.

China and Japan have disputes on the boundary line of territorial waters in the East China Sea. China consistently holds that the disputes should be solved through negotiations, she said.

The spokeswoman also said China hopes that Japan will act prudently, fully considering the whole situation of bilateral relations and the stability of East China Sea region.

She urged Japan not to take any action that may imperil China's interest and complicate the current situation.

(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2004)