Special: China's air defense identification zone triggers mixed response

Foreign planes identified in China's air defense identification zone The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force on Friday identified and verified foreign military planes entering China's recently established East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to a spokesman for the force.

An air defense identification zone is a defensive area of airspace established by a coastal state beyond its territorial airspace. It is used to identify, monitor, control and react in a timely manner to aircraft entering this zone that are potential air threats. Since the 1950s, more than 20 countries, including the United States, Australia, Germany and Japan itself, have successively established such zones.

China has established its first air defense identification zone in accordance with Chinese law and international practices to safeguard its sovereignty, the Ministry of National Defense announced on Nov 23, 2013. The East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone includes the airspace within the area enclosed by the outer limit of China's territorial waters and six other points.

Full text of the announcement of China's Ministry of National Defense

China's first air defense identification zone, which is fully legal, is not directed against any specific country or target and its establishment does not change the legal nature of the related airspace, and normal flights by international airlines will not be affected, Ministry of National Defense spokesman Yang Yujun said. [More]

Japanese PM concerned over China's air defense zone

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Nov 25, 2013 that Japan is seriously concerned over the air defense identification zone China announced to set up in the East China Sea on Saturday. Japan's Foreign Ministry on Sunday that Japan can not accept the fact that the zone covers the Diaoyu Islands.   China's response: Japan's remarks on China's air zone 'unacceptable'

Japanese carriers adhere to China's air zone

Two of Japan's top airlines have been reporting their fight plans to China following the demarcation by Beijing of its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), representatives for the carriers said Tuesday.

US concerned over China's air defense zone

The White House, Pentagon and US State Department all voiced concern over China's move on Saturday, fearing it might "constitute an attempt to change the status quo in the East China Sea," and increase tensions and risks in the region.  China's response: US urged to correct mistakes on China's air zone

ROK: China's air defense zone worsens situation

The recent announcement of China's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIA) worsened the already tricky situations in Northeast Asia, South Korea's top diplomat said Wednesday.

Australian FM expresses concerns over China's defense measure

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop expressed concerns over China's defense measure in a statement on Tuesday.  China's response: China refutes Australia's remarks over air zone

Japan and US overreacting

While Tokyo continues to play the thief crying "stop the thief", Washington is again barking up the wrong tree over China's announcement of the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone.

Air zone not to affect routine flights

The new East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) announced by China on Saturday has drawn a mixed response.

China's new air defense zone is in line with global practice

Analysts have rejected criticism by Washington and Tokyo of Beijing's move to set up its first air defense identification zone, saying its establishment is consistent with international practices and can better safeguard regional flight security.

China's setup of air zone legitimate, conducive to regional peace

The establishment of the air zone is a necessary, rightful and totally legitimate measure taken by China in protecting its sovereignty and providing air security.