Foreign planes identified in China's air defense zone

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force on Friday identified and verified foreign military planes entering China's recently established East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to a spokesman for the force.

Shen Jinke said fighter jets with the PLA air force on Friday morning took off in an emergency response to verify two reconnaissance aircraft from the United States and identify 10 Japanese planes.

"The PLA air force has realized its effective normal monitoring of targets in the zone," Shen said.

According to the spokesman, China's air force has been fulfilling its duties and missions since starting air patrols in the ADIZ along with the navy, and it has conducted full-range monitoring as well as timely identification and verification of foreign planes entering the area.

Shen said that air force and navy pilots shouldering the patrol mission will work together closely and stay on constant alert to safeguard air defense security.

China's ADIZ will not cause tension: spokesman

China's newly-established Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) will not cause regional tension, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said on Friday.

"China's ADIZ over the East China Sea is not aimed at any specific country nor target. It's absolutely a measure designated to exercise the right of defense effectively," Qin told a regular press briefing. Full story

Air force patrols of China's ADIZ legitimate: spokesman

Planes from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force have the right to patrol in China's East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in light of the need of air defense, said a Foreign Ministry spokesman on Friday.

Qin Gang made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to explain the purpose of the PLA Air Force's patrol in the ADIZ on Thursday. Full story