China Scrambles Fighter Jets In Islands Row ift.tt/1bZJAud Chinese fighter jets have reportedly been sent to patrol disputed air space over the East China Sea after Japanese and South Korean planes flew into the region. The move, described as a defensive measure by an air force spokesman quoted by a state news agency, raises the stakes in the long-running row over a string of tiny islands. The military is on high alert and will take measures to deal with diverse air threats to firmly protect the security of the countrys airspace, Xinhua reported. The warning comes days after China laid claim to the islands, which it calls the Diaoyu but are known as the Senkaku in Japan. It previously threatened emergency action would be taken against aircraft which do not comply with new identification rules. The islands cover an area of just seven square kilometres - roughly 2% of the size of the Isle of Wight. However, they are thought to be surrounded by energy-rich waters. Chinese and Japanese boats have been patrolling the coastline and there have been several reports of military aircraft flying too close to each other. In October, Chinese military aircraft flew near Japan for three days in a row. Japan scrambled fighter jets each time in response. Earlier this week, the US sent two unarmed B-52 bombers to the disputed region without telling China first. US Vice President Joe Biden is visiting China, Japan and South Korea next month, when he is expected to attempt to diffuse tensions over the islands. Related Stories China Claims Airspace Over Disputed Islands Japan Exercises Send Strong Message To China China-Japan Disputed Islands Row Heats Up
Posted on: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 00:04:45 +0000
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