Air Defense Identification Zone (East China Sea) facts for kids
The East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) is a special area of airspace. In November 2013, the People's Republic of China announced new rules for planes flying in this zone.
An ADIZ is a zone where a country wants to identify, watch, and control aircraft. This helps them respond to any possible air threats.
This ADIZ covers most of the East China Sea. It includes the airspace around the Senkaku Islands (which China calls Diaoyu Islands). It also reaches north to Socotra Rock, known as Suyan Jiao in China.
About half of China's ADIZ overlaps with Japan's ADIZ. It also slightly overlaps with zones from South Korea and Taiwan. When China set up this zone, many countries criticized it. They said it overlapped with their zones and had strict rules for all planes, even civilian ones.
Contents
History of ADIZ Zones
Early Air Defense Zones
The very first ADIZ was created by the United States in 1950. It was a joint zone with Canada. They said it was their right to set rules for entering their territory. However, the U.S. does not apply its ADIZ rules to foreign planes that are not planning to enter U.S. airspace.
South Korea set up its ADIZ in 1951 during the Korean War. This was done with help from the United States Air Force. South Korea's zone currently does not cover Socotra Rock.
Japan's ADIZ
Japan established its ADIZ in 1969. This zone covers most of Japan's special economic zone. Japan does not demand anything from planes flying through, unless they are landing in Japan.
In 2010, Japan extended its ADIZ around Yonaguni Island. This caused a small overlap with Taiwan's ADIZ. However, Taiwan and Japan have an understanding on how to handle this.
China's East China Sea ADIZ
The People's Republic of China announced its East China Sea ADIZ on November 23, 2013. China said an ADIZ allows a country to "identify, monitor, control and react to aircraft" that might be a threat.
Even though many countries protested, China's decision was widely supported within China.
Chinese military experts had been planning an ADIZ since the Hainan Island incident. They first suggested a zone covering China's economic area. But this was later expanded to the current larger area.
Rules for the Zone
What Planes Must Do
China's Ministry of National Defense set rules for foreign planes in the zone:
- Flight Plan: Any plane in the zone must report its flight plan to China's Foreign Affairs or Civil Aviation Administration.
- Radio Contact: Planes must keep two-way radio contact. They must also respond quickly and correctly to questions.
- Transponder On: Any plane with a special signal device (transponder) must keep it on.
- Clear Signs: Planes must clearly show their nationality and registration. This follows international agreements.
- Follow Instructions: Planes in the zone should follow instructions. China's military will take "emergency defensive measures" if planes do not follow orders.
These rules started at 10 am on November 23, 2013, Beijing time.
China later said that "freedom of flight" would be respected for "normal" flights. But this would not apply to "provocative flyover and surveillance activities."
International Reactions
Japan's Response
After China's announcement, Japan's Air Self-Defense Force sent two F-15 fighter jets. They went to check on two Chinese planes near the Senkaku Islands. These islands are part of China's new ADIZ.
On November 25, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said China's rules were one-sided. He stated they broke the freedom to fly over open sea, which is an international law. He demanded China remove any rules that affect freedom of flight in international airspace. He called China's move a dangerous attempt to change the situation in the East China Sea.
Japan brought the issue to the International Civil Aviation Organization. This is a U.N. agency that helps civil aviation worldwide. Australia, Britain, and the United States supported Japan.
South Korea's Response
South Korea called a Chinese diplomat on November 25 to protest. Their concern was that the zone included Korean-claimed Socotra Rock. South Korea's Ministry of Transport said its airlines would not recognize China's ADIZ.
South Korea later extended its own ADIZ over the disputed waters.
Taiwan's Response
The ADIZ announced by China overlaps a small part of Taiwan's zone. Taiwan's initial reaction was quiet. This led to protests from opposition parties. They felt the government was not protecting Taiwan's rights.
Taiwan later reasserted its claim to the Diaoyutai islands. It called for peaceful talks among all affected governments.
United States' Response
The U.S. said it would ignore China's ADIZ rules. It would not follow Chinese orders. However, the U.S. advised American airlines to follow China's demands. This was to avoid any unplanned problems.
The U.S. State Department said China's action was a "unilateral action." It called it an attempt to change the situation in the East China Sea. The U.S. said it does not support any country applying ADIZ rules to foreign planes not entering its national airspace.
Chuck Hagel, the American Secretary of Defense at the time, criticized China's action. He said it was "unilateral," "immediate," and "without consultation."
The United States sent two B-52 bombers from Guam to fly through the zone on November 26.
Other Countries' Reactions
- Australia protested China's announcement. Its Foreign Minister said the timing was "unhelpful" and would not help regional stability.
- The Philippines said China was trying to turn the area into its "domestic airspace."
- Germany said the zone increased the risk of a military incident between China and Japan.
- France expressed concerns and asked all sides to stay calm.
- The European Union said the situation increased the risk of tensions in the region.
Some Asian airlines said they would inform China before entering the zone. But they would not change their flight paths or schedules.
Patrol Operations
The Chinese military has conducted regular patrol operations since the ADIZ was set up. They monitor, collect evidence, identify, and warn foreign military aircraft.
On January 31, 2014, Chinese media reported that the Chinese Naval Air Force sent two Su-30MKK jet fighters. They inspected and warned foreign military aircraft entering the ADIZ. A Chinese general later confirmed these planes belonged to the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force.
See Also
- Air defense identification zone
- AirSea Battle
- East China Sea EEZ disputes
- Flight information region
- List of territorial disputes
