| ABC News | - |
Tensions
in northeast Asia escalate as China rejected South Korea's demand to
take corrective measures and redraw a newly declared air defense
identification zone (ADIZ) that Beijing had unilaterally set last
Saturday.
China's Newly Declared Air Defense Zone Fuels Tensions in Asia
Tensions in northeast Asia escalate as China rejected South Korea's
demand to take corrective measures and redraw a newly declared air
defense identification zone (ADIZ) that Beijing had unilaterally set
last Saturday. Beijing claims all aircraft entering the zone is
obligated to report a flight plan and identification, and to obey orders
from Chinese authorities. If not, transiting air traffic could face
"defensive emergency measures." That zone includes Ieodo Island,
currently controlled by South Korea.
"Although China has always denied it, they want to be a hegemonic power.
They're showing that ambition of gradual expansion in this region and
this, a serious issue, is not something to be taken lightly," said Lee
Jung-Hoon, professor of international relations at Yonsei University in
Seoul.
The newly claimed zone also includes a set of long disputed islands
claimed by Japan, China and Taiwan – known as Diaoyu in China and
Senkaku in Japan.
In defiance of Beijing's claims, South Korean and Japanese officials on
Thursday said both have flown planes for surveillance over the zone this
week without notifying the Chinese authorities. The United States,
calling the move a "destabilizing attempt to alter the status quo in the
region," had also flown a pair of unarmed B-52 bombers earlier in the
week.
China said it's monitoring the flights. "China identifies any aircraft
within the ADIZ. So, China must note the relevant situation you
mentioned," China's foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang replied when
asked about Wednesday's South Korean military flight in the zone.
Vice President Joe Biden is expected to raise concern during a visit to the three northeast Asian countries next week.
Meanwhile Australia has summoned the Chinese ambassador to express Canberra's concern about the sudden zone declaration.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she is standing by her criticism of the new zone.
"Australia has appropriately raised its concerns privately with the
ambassador, and I've raised it publicly to assure the Australian people
that the Australian government is continuing this policy of being
opposed to unilateral action that could increase the tensions in this
disputed territorial zone," Bishop told reporters.
China's new zone also includes intersecting claims in the South China
Sea with Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam.
"China seems still trapped in this cold war mentality that the U.S. is
trying to encircle China. Yes, they are upset with the missile defense
system. Yes, they aren't happy with the U.S. making friends with Japan,
or countries like Vietnam that they consider to be potential hostile
entities," Lee pointed out. "To Beijing, maybe this is a defensive
posture but from the outside world, this is a very physical, aggressive
approach."
AP contributed to this story.
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