China dismisses Japan's opposition to S China Sea ADIZ

East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (Source: Ministry of National Defense/China Daily)

China dismissed the Japanese Defense Minister's remarks on the South China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).[Special coverage]

"China is determined to safeguard national security. No country should make comments on this matter," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei at a regular press briefing.

Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said that the international community should oppose China's ADIZ in the South China Sea. Philippine National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin also voiced concern over the ADIZ.

"China firmly pursues peaceful development. China is also a staunch force to maintain the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region and promote cooperation and development," Hong said.

China is firmly against remarks that ignore other countries' security and deliberately provoke regional confrontation, the root of instability.

China established its East China Sea ADIZ on November 23. Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at a regular press briefing that China will establish other ADIZ in due course after preparations.