News, December 2013

Biden Mediates Between Japan and China Over Declared Chinese Air Defense Identification Zone in the East China Sea

December 4, 2013

East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (Source: Ministry of National Defense/China Daily)

Japan's NSC meets for first time, with ADIZ issue on agenda

BEIJING, Dec. 4, 2013 (Xinhuanet) --

Japan's newly established National Security Council is meeting for the first time on Wednesday, with the country’s prime minister, chief cabinet secretary, and foreign and defense ministers.

Japan’s Kyodo News says the first council meeting will discuss issues such as the National Security Strategy, the to-be-published National Defense Program Outline, as well as the Air Defense Identification Zone in the East China Sea. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reports the council is to set up hotlines with the US and UK to boost security cooperation. And is also considering doing the same with France, Germany and Russia.

The Diet passed the bill to set up the US-style National Security Council just a week ago. The 60-member government branch is to coordinate ministries and government agencies involved in the country’s foreign and defense affairs. Its headquarters is installed within the Cabinet Secretariat.

(Source: CNTV.cn)

China, U.S. in touch on ADIZ: FM spokesman

BEIJING, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao met with his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden in Beijing on Wednesday, pledging to enhance high-level strategic communication and avoid conflict and confrontation.

During the meeting, Li said Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Barrack Obama reached important consensus on the building of a new model of major-country relations in June.

China would like to strengthen high-level strategic communication with the United States, respect each other's core interests and major concerns and deepen substantial cooperation in all areas and enhance coordination on bilateral, regional and global spheres, said Li.

"China is ready to translate the spirit of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation to every aspect of the China-U.S. relationship," Li said.

For his part, Biden said the U.S.-China relationship, with its great influence on the world, has matured gradually.

The U.S. side is committed to "high-level engagement with China," expanding practical cooperation, delivering results, and managing differences between the two countries "candidly and constructively" so as to advance the new model of relations.

Prior to the meeting in the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing, Li held a welcoming ceremony for Biden.

Biden arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a two-day official visit to China. This is his second trip since he took office in 2009.

China, U.S. in touch on ADIZ: FM spokesman

BEIJING, Dec. 4, 2013 (Xinhua) --

China has maintained communication with the United States over its newly established Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Wednesday.

Hong made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to a question on whether the air zone will be a main topic during U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's visit.

Hong said China has already briefed the U.S. side on the legitimacy, defensiveness and openness of the air zone and expects understanding, respect and coordination from the United States.

He recalled the successful exchanges between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Biden when Xi was still vice president, noting that the two old friends will exchange views on a new model for major-country relations as well as other issues of common concern during this visit.

Biden is scheduled to visit Beijing from Dec. 4 to 5, at the invitation of Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao.

55 airlines report flight plans to China: FM

BEIJING, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Fifty-five airlines in 19 countries and three regions have reported their flight plans to China over the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), a spokesman said on Wednesday.

"China has gained understanding from an increasing number of countries over the establishment of the zone. People have come to realize it is a safe and cooperative, rather than risky and confrontational area," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a daily news briefing.

Hong's comment came after the meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.

Biden, in Tokyo at the start of a three-nation tour of Asia, told a news conference on Tuesday that concerns will be raised with leaders in China regarding the newly-formed Air Defense Identification Zone, in the interests of lowering tensions in the region.

"We are willing to keep in touch with relevant parties over technical issues and maintain flight safety and order, on the basis of equality and mutual respect," Hong said.

He reiterated China's ADIZ is aimed to defending its national sovereignty ,territorial and airspace security, as well as safeguarding flight safety and is in accord with international laws and practices.

The normal flight of international flights in the zone will not be affected, he said.

Hong criticized Japan for unilaterally escalating regional tension, urging it to respect China's legitimate rights, stop provocation and make efforts to improve bilateral ties and regional peace and stability.

Other countries should hold an objective and fair view of China's ADIZ, understand, respect and cooperate with China, Hong said.

Biden arrived in Beijing Wednesday morning for a two-day visit and then will fly to the Republic of Korea.

Air Defense Identification Zones

BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhuanet) --

The airforce says it has conducted its first air patrol since the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone was announced. Reconnaissance and early-warning aircraft and warplanes were deployed. But what is an Air Defense Identification Zone, and how does it work?

Air Defence Identification Zone is a zone that can extend in some cases up to 300 miles beyond the territorial sea. It’s established by some countries off their coasts for security reasons. When entering the zone, all aircraft are required to identify themselves, report flight plans, and inform ground control of their exact position.

Military expert Yin Zhuo said, "Since the 1950s, some countries have demarcated Air Defense Identification Zones on high seas or international waters. It’s also called identification belt."

Air Defense Identification Zone is an early-warning air defense concept. It has been implemented in more than 20 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, South Korea and Japan.

For example, after Japan’s surrender in 1945, the US demarcated an identification zone off Japan’s coasts, but it was under the control of the US military in Japan. It was only until 1969 that the US transferred the management of the zone to Japan.

After that, Japan expanded the zone westward twice, once in 1972, the other in 2010. Japan follows a warning sequence for unidentified aircraft: radar detection, emergency calls, fighter emergency launch, requiring forced landing, and bomb warning. Once its own aircraft, land, or vessels are attacked, a defense war will be launched. However, territorial disputes still exist, as the zone is not recognised by Japan’s neighbors, Russia and China.

(Source: CNTV.cn)

Related:

Military experts explain China's air defense identification zone

BEIJING, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Military experts on Saturday said that the establishment of the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone accords with international common practices.  Full story

PLA Air Force conducts first patrol in air defense identification zone

BEIJING, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force conducted its first air patrol after the establishment of the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone.

Shen Jinke, spokesman for the PLA Air Force, said that two large scouts carried out the patrol mission, with early warning aircraft and fighters providing support and cover.Full story

China Exclusive: Defense Ministry spokesman responds to air defense identification zone questions

BEIJING, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- China's Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun on Saturday answered questions from the media on the establishment of the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone.

1. Why did the Chinese government set up the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone? Was it related to the current regional situation?

An air defense identification zone is established by a maritime nation to guard against potential air threats. This airspace, demarcated outside the territorial airspace, allows a country to identify, monitor, control and dispose of entering aircraft. It sets aside time for early warning and helps defend the country's airspace.

The Chinese government has followed common international practices in the establishment of the zone, with aims of protecting its state sovereignty and territorial and airspace security, and maintaining flying orders. It is a necessary measure in China's exercise of self-defense rights. It has no particular target and will not affect the freedom of flight in relevant airspace.Full story

China Exclusive: Defense Ministry spokesman responds to air defense identification zone questions

BEIJING, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- China's Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun on Saturday answered questions from the media on the establishment of the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone.

1. Why did the Chinese government set up the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone? Was it related to the current regional situation?

An air defense identification zone is established by a maritime nation to guard against potential air threats. This airspace, demarcated outside the territorial airspace, allows a country to identify, monitor, control and dispose of entering aircraft. It sets aside time for early warning and helps defend the country's airspace.

The Chinese government has followed common international practices in the establishment of the zone, with aims of protecting its state sovereignty and territorial and airspace security, and maintaining flying orders. It is a necessary measure in China's exercise of self-defense rights. It has no particular target and will not affect the freedom of flight in relevant airspace.  Full story

Editor: Lu Hui  

Related:

Chinese VP meets with Biden

BEIJING, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao met with his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden in Beijing on Wednesday, pledging to enhance high-level strategic communication and avoid conflict and confrontation.

During the meeting, Li said Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Barrack Obama reached important consensus on the building of a new model of major-country relations in June. Full story

Defense Ministry spokesman on China's air defense identification zone

BEIJING, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Following is a statement made by Geng Yansheng, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, on China's establishment of the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ): Full story

China's ADIZ to improve identification: FM spokesman

BEIJING, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- The purpose of China's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) is to improve the country's capacity to identify aircraft and avoid any misjudgment, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday.

Hong Lei made the comments at a regular press briefing when asked to provide further explanation on the newly established zone. Full story

Air force patrols of China's ADIZ legitimate: spokesman

"China's ADIZ over the East China Sea is not aimed at any specific country nor target. It's absolutely a measure designated to exercise the right of defense effectively," Qin told a regular press briefing. Full story

Commentary: U.S. should act as honest broker

BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Pentagon officials said Tuesday that two U.S. B-52 bombers have flown over the area of the Diaoyu Islands, which is included in China's newly established Air Defense Identification Zone in the East China Sea.

In response, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman said the Chinese military monitored the entire flight course of the U.S. aircraft, which flew along the eastern border of the air zone, some 200 km east of the Diaoyu Islands. Full story

China monitors U.S. bombers in defense zone

BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China's defense ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng on Wednesday said the country has observed U.S. B-52 bombers flying in the newly established air defense identification zone over East China Sea.

Geng said the U.S. aircraft flew south and north along the eastern border of the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone from 11:00 a.m. to 1:22 p.m. Tuesday, about 200 km to the east of the Diaoyu Islands.Full story

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