China establishes air defense identification zone over the East Sea?
With the recent illegal exercise of bombers, China may soon establish an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) over the East Sea, an international relations expert said.
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A Chinese H-6K bomber. Photo: Reuters |
Earlier this month, CNBC reported that China had blatantly deployed surface-to-air missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles on the Spratly Islands, which are claimed by Vietnam. Recently, Chinese Air Force H-6K bombers also illegally landed on a reef in the South China Sea and conducted exercises.
"China is forming the framework for an Air Defense Identification Zone in the South China Sea to move towards establishing a permanent exclusive economic zone there," said Heydarian. He said that China's recent deployment of advanced military equipment in the South China Sea clearly goes against its commitment not to militarize the area.
At a maritime security forum in Manila last week, Rear Admiral Rommel Jude Ong, the Philippine Navy's inspector general for maritime affairs, said China could soon illegally deploy fighter jets at its illegally built base in the Spratlys after deploying the missiles.
"A few days ago, we were surprised to hear that China deployed anti-ship missiles to three features, including Subi Reef, Fiery Cross Reef and Mischief Reef. I think China's next step will be to deploy J-11 attack aircraft. This aircraft has a range of 1,500 km."
China unilaterally claims sovereignty over most of the East Sea, overlapping the waters of the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
The US Department of Defense last week condemned Chinese bomber exercises in the South China Sea, saying they increased tensions and destabilized the region. The US said it did not recognize China’s unilateral claims and that the US Navy would continue to operate wherever international law allowed.
