Beijing: The Japanese government has released a map and aerial photos detailing Chinese oil and gas exploration platforms it said proved Beijing was accelerating plans to unilaterally exploit an oilfield that straddles disputed waters in the East China Sea.

The move adds to the fresh round of heightened tensions between the two Asian powers and in the region, as China, which has also come under international pressure for its rapid island building in the disputed South China Sea, prepares for a large-scale military parade in September to mark the 70th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II.

One of a number of Chinese offshore platforms in the East China Sea in June, in a photo released by Japan's defence ministry on Wednesday. Credit:AP

It also comes as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe seeks to win public opinion over the need to pass legislation to give Japan's military a greater role.