Simona Botviciute,

Editor (Asia – Far East)

HONG KONG – Chinese Defence Ministry admitted to have monitored the flight of two unarmed U.S. B-52 bombers that flew over the new air zone in the East China Sea. Planes flew over the disputed islands on a training mission without informing Beijing. Japan Airlines and ANA Holdings also claim to have stopped providing flight plans and other information to the Chinese authorities.

Both ANA and JAL airlines stated that so far they had not faced any problems passing through the new Air Defence Identification Zone which Japan calls “invalid”. The zone is not governed by international treaties meaning that rules vary between each country and can be enforced at will.

Japan and the US continue to strongly oppose to the air zone declared by China in attempt to alter the status quo. Washington’s involvement in this territorial standoff between Beijing and Tokyo has also caused a public debate among the Chinese internet users calling for tough measures in order to protect Chinese sovereignty.

More news to follow.

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Simona Botviciute