SEOUL, KOREA - The Chinese government officially refused on November 28 the request by the Korean government to adjust a newly announced Chinese "Air Defense Identification Zone." It is expected the issue to become a serious diplomatic dispute between the two countries.

 

The two sides held annual defense strategy talks on the same day, with Vice Defense Minister Baek Seung-joo and the Chinese counterpart Wang Guanzhong, deputy chief of general staff of China's military, as chief negotiators.

 

During the talks Baek expressed strong regret and demanded Beijing take corrective measures, pointing out that parts of the Chinese air defense ID zone overlap with that of Korea including Ieodo (Suyan) Rock hitherto controlled by Korea without any challenge from China.

 

Korea's defense ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok said, "The Vice Defense Minister said the Korean government is also considering announcement of its own air defense identification zone that's bigger than now. He also voiced concerns about escalating military tensions within the region and urged the Chinese counterpart that it is necessary to have a framework for discussion among regional actors for trust building and easing tension."

 

The bigger bone of contention related to the recent declaration by the Chinese government is with Japan over the Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu) that the new Chinese air defense ID zone clearly encroached upon. All aircraft intending to enter the newly declared Chinese zone have to file flight plans with the Chinese authorities, maintain radio communications, and follow the instructions of Chinese controllers.