US 'concerned' over China's air defense zone, says it may create tension

The United States is concerned over China's unilateral imposition of an air defense identification zone (ADIZ) over disputed waters in the East China Sea, saying it may create more tension among countries in the area.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg made the statement before Philippine media on Monday, right after presenting his credentials to President Benigno Aquino III in Malacañang.

“The United States has expressed its concern, both through the Chinese directly but through the media, and in every other way about this step taken by the Chinese government to declare an ADIZ,” he said.

He added they do not believe the move was intended to “build confidence” or improve the situation, saying it will instead “create tension and the possibility of miscalculations.”

“And that’s never good, especially in an area where we know that, whether it’s in—over the Senkakus, or here in the Southeast Asia, and the South China Sea are difficult issues,” Goldberg said.

This, he said, is why they asked US commercial airlines to advise Chinese authorities of flights plans when they are traveling through an ADIZ. But he quickly noted that this decision does “not indicate US government acceptance of China's requirements.”

Japan had earlier warned of “unpredictable events” while South Korea voiced regret over China's move to impose the ADIZ.

The Philippines has also joined other nations in opposing the new air defense zone, saying it impedes freedom of flight and aviation safety.

Manila is also locked in a long-running territorial rift with China over the South China Sea, where Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also have overlapping claims.

The Philippines, which filed a case last January against China before an international tribunal to question the legality of its massive claim, has adopted the name West Philippine Sea for the disputed body of water.
 
Washington has declared that unrestricted access to the South China Sea and peaceful resolution of disputes are in America’s national interest.

On Monday, Goldberg said the US believes in free navigation both in the air and sea but that they “don't take sides” especially since they are not claimants in any of the disputes.

“But at the same time, we strongly support the countries of this region coming together for a Code of Conduct, which will help set out the rules of the road or the rules of the sea, and will be a way for tensions to decrease. The same is true of any legal recourse that the Philippine government has taken,” he said.

“That’s where the United States stands, and we will continue to press those beliefs, and we will support the peaceful and legal, diplomatic efforts underway to resolve tensions,” Goldberg added. — KBK, GMA News