SOUTH Korea yesterday announced a new air defence zone, a move regarded as a counter to China’s unilateral declaration of its own last month.
The new zone, which will take effect on December 15, also partially overlaps with China’s, and covers a submerged rock disputed by the two countries, according to local broadsheet The Straits Times.
South Korea’s news agency Yonhap News reported the defence ministry as saying that the expanded zone was designed to have its southern boundary match the country’s broader flight information region, and includes airspace over the Seoul-controlled reef of Ieodo and other southern islands of Marado and Hongdo.
The ministry also said: “The air defence and identification zone adjustment is in line with international aviation order and regulations. It does not put restrictions on civilian flight operations or infringe upon the airspace and interests of neighbouring countries.
“Ahead of the announcement, we have offered sufficient explanations to related countries. The government will discuss with related countries measures necessary to prevent accidental military clashes with the newly adjusted zone.”
Yonhap News also quoted a transport ministry official as saying the ministry will in a few days be wrapping up discussions with related agencies about the issue of airlines giving notification to China.
China’s earlier self-declaration of its new defence zone, which overlaps those of Japan and South Korea, had sparked outrage from the two countries and concern from the US, with airlines defying its airspace ruling (TTG Asia e-Daily November 28, 2013).
