Beijing: As US Vice President Joe Biden arrived here to press China to roll back its unilaterally declared air defence zone, Beijing today defended its controversial move, saying it is in accord with international laws and practises and will not affect normal flights.
“China has gained understanding from an increasing number of countries over the establishment of the zone. People have come to realise it is a safe and cooperative, rather than risky and confrontational area,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.
Hong said that 55 airlines from 19 countries have reported their flight plans to fly through its controversial Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) over the East China Sea. Hong's comment came after Biden arrived here today after meeting ally Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
At a joint press conference with Abe yesterday, Biden said he would raise Washington's concerns over the air zone “in great specificity... when I meet with the Chinese leadership”. Biden expressed US' deep concern over “attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the East China Sea”.
