Beijing’s air defence zone over East China Sea branded ‘dangerous act’ by Japan

Beijing’s air defence zone over East China Sea branded ‘dangerous act’ by Japan: Beijing’s declaration of an air defence zone in the East China Sea kick-started a diplomatic free-for-all yesterday.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told parliament that Beijing’s move “was a profoundly dangerous act that may cause unintended consequences”.

He added: “Japan will ask China to restrain itself while we continue co-operating with the international community.”

The purpose of China’s approach is to defend national sovereignty YANG YUJUN, DEFENCE MINISTRY
China and Japan each summoned the other’s ambassador, while South Korea also waded into the row.

Beijing announced on Saturday it had established an Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

It requires aircraft flying over an area of the East China Sea to comply with its orders. Tokyo called in Beijing’s ambassador Cheng Yonghua and insisted the plan be withdrawn.

But the appeal received short shrift from Cheng, who said Tokyo should retract its “unreasonable demand”.

Cheng’s opposite number in Beijing was also carpeted and told that Japan should not make “irresponsible remarks” about the ADIZ.

China published co-ordinates for the zone at the weekend.

The area covers most of the East China Sea and the skies over the Diaoyu Islands – called the Senkakus in Japan – at the centre of a long-running row between Beijing and Tokyo.

The area also includes waters claimed by Taiwan and South Korea, which both expressed concern at the move.

South Korea’s Defence Ministry said it would raise the issue with Beijing this week.