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Australia
risks becoming embroiled in another diplomatic spat in Asia, with China
warning there will be consequences if Foreign Minister Julie Bishop
does not withdraw criticism of a new air defence zone in the East China
Sea.
China warns Julie Bishop's 'irresponsible' criticism of new air zone could hurt relations
Updated
Australia risks becoming embroiled in another
diplomatic spat in Asia, with China warning there will be consequences
if Foreign Minister Julie Bishop does not withdraw criticism of a new
air defence zone in the East China Sea.
The zone covers a wide
area of the ocean between Japan, South Korea and Taiwan that includes
airspace above several disputed islands.Japan nationalised the islands last year and has vowed not to cede sovereignty or even to acknowledge a dispute with China, accusing its growing neighbour of trying to change the status quo through intimidation.
Ms Bishop on Tuesday announced she had summoned Beijing's ambassador to voice opposition to the zone, saying the timing and the manner of China's announcement was unhelpful and would not contribute to regional stability.
"Australia has made clear its opposition to any coercive or unilateral actions to change the status quo in the East China Sea," she said in a statement.
But China has reacted angrily to Ms Bishop's comments, labelling them "irresponsible" and "mistaken".
China's foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said China had "expressed its strong dissatisfaction" and called on Australia to "immediately correct its mistake, so as to avoid damaging China-Australia relations".
"Australia's irresponsible statements on the East Sea air defence identification zone are completely mistaken; China cannot accept them," the statement said.
The latest diplomatic incident comes as the Federal Government tries to mend ties over the Indonesian spying scandal, and faces further claims of espionage from East Timor.
It also comes ahead of Ms Bishop's planned trip to China, and may hamper the Abbott Government's attempts to finalise a free trade deal with Australia's largest trading partner.
US defies Chinese demands
The islands are among several contested territories considered possible flashpoints in the region, as countries attempt to maximise control over underwater resources and China looks to project its influence beyond its borders.
However, the US has signalled its intent to remain the dominant super power in the Asia-Pacific, and its network of alliances with countries, including Australia, raises the possibility of these smaller territorial conflicts escalating.
The US pledged support for ally Japan overnight, with defence secretary Chuck Hagel assuring his counterpart in a phone call that the two nations' defence pact covered the small islands where China had established the zone.
He also commended Tokyo "for exercising appropriate restraint," a Pentagon spokesman said.
US vice-president Joe Biden plans to raise objections over the zone during a long-planned visit to the region next week.
The US is not acknowledging the zone, flying two unarmed B-52 Stratofortress bombers through it unhindered earlier this week.
The unarmed B-52 aircraft took off from Guam on Monday on a flight previously scheduled as part of a routine exercise in the area, the defence officials said.
No flight plan was submitted beforehand to the Chinese and the mission went ahead "without incident," with the two aircraft spending "less than an hour" in the zone.
China requires aircraft to provide their flight plans, declare their nationality and maintain two-way radio communication, or face defensive emergency measures.
But in a response that disappointed some hardline Chinese bloggers, Chinese defence ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng said the the military "monitored" the flights.
"The Chinese military monitored the entire process, carried out identification in a timely manner, and ascertained the type of US aircraft," he said in a statement, which did not include any expression of regret or anger.
The Pentagon signaled that more military flights into the zone can be expected.
"We'll continue to conduct operations in the region, as we have" in the past," Pentagons spokesman Colonel Steve Warren said.
He declined to offer details on timing.
Flights of Japan's main airline similarly ignored Chinese authorities while flying through the zone.
Japan Airlines and ANA Holdings said they had stopped giving flight plans and other information to Chinese authorities following a request from the Japanese government.
ABC/wires
First posted
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