Australia leads search for MH370 on southern corridor

Investigators say the missing plane MH370 was intentionally diverted, and could have flown on either a northern or southern arc from its last known position.  [Special coverage]

The northern arc stretches from northern Thailand to central Asia. Aviation experts say that it would have been difficult for the plane to dodge radar surveillance on this route.

This means whoever flew the plane is more likely to have chosen the southern arc, which stretches from Indonesia to the southern Indian Ocean.

Australia, which has a powerful military radar system, has accepted a request from Malaysia to take charge of the search on the southern route.

China, which is among the 26 countries involved in the search operation, says it will not reduce its current search forces.