From Reuters, via Economic Times:
China called Japan’s plan to allow gas exploration in disputed waters a serious provocation on Thursday, but sought to rein in anti-Japanese sentiment that sparked violent protests last weekend.
Japan avoided escalating the war of words, saying dialogue was needed to resolve the feuds. China also called for talks.
See also “China, Japan ‘tense again’ over drilling rights” from the Christian Science Monitor, “Japanese react to China protests with calm” from the Financial Times, and ” Q&A: China and Japan’s troubled ties” from the BBC.