Pakistan, July 2 -- Japan lodged a diplomatic protest on Wednesday after China demanded a Japanese research vessel halt a seabed survey in the East China Sea. Tokyo called the demand unacceptable because the survey occurred within Japan's exclusive economic zone. The dispute adds to growing tensions between Asia's two largest economies.

According to Japan's Coast Guard, the research vessel Takuyo received repeated radio calls from a Chinese coast guard ship. The Chinese vessel ordered the ship to stop its survey and leave the area northwest of Okinawa. Japan rejected the demand, saying the work complied with international law.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Japan protested through diplomatic channels. He stressed that Tokyo ...