ASIA-SECURITY/CHINA China says air defence zone in South China Sea hinges on security

Record ID: 149609

  • Title: ASIA-SECURITY/CHINA China says air defence zone in South China Sea hinges on security
  • Date: 31st May 2015
  • Summary: SINGAPORE (MAY 31, 2015) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF CARS DRIVING INTO SHANGRI-LA HOTEL COMPOUND POLICE STANDING VARIOUS OF PLENARY SESSION IN PROGRESS
  • Embargoed: 15th June 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Singapore
  • Country: Singapore
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVABHPD8OIQIPOZF4Q4VLYT3GMK9
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: China will base its decision on establishing an air defense identification zone around disputed waters in the South China Sea on its assessment of the security situation, a senior Chinese military official said on Sunday (May 31).
    "Regarding the issue of air defence zone in the South China Sea, it will depend on whether our security in the air and maritime will be threatened and to what extent, and comprehensive factors will be taken into consideration. The situation in the South China Sea has been on the whole peaceful and stable, there is no reason for people to play up this issue in the South China Sea," Admiral Sun Jianguo, a deputy chief of staff of the People's Liberation Army, said.
    Land reclamation work by China around disputed islands has led to speculation it will declare an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), with the United States expressing concern that Chinese actions threaten freedom of navigation and security in the Asia-Pacific.
    A day earlier Carter gave a speech saying China's reclamation actives boosted the risk of "miscalculation or conflict", drawing a scathing response from China's foreign ministry.
    On Friday (May 29), the Pentagon confirmed reports that China had put mobile artillery at one of its reclaimed islands in the South China Sea.
    China defended its activities on the islands.
    "China has carried out construction on some islands and reefs in the South China Sea, mainly for the purpose of improving the functions of the islands and reefs, and the working and living conditions of the personnel stationed there. Apart from meeting the necessary defence needs, it is more geared towards better perform China's international responsibilities regarding maritime search and rescue, disaster prevention and relief, maritime scientific research, meteorological observation, environmental protection, safety navigation and fishery production services. China has an oceanic survey station of the UN on the Fiery Cross reef," Sun said.
    He maintained a measured tone in his address, refraining from singling out the U.S. for criticism and emphasizing China's commitment to peaceful relations.
    "We hope relevant countries will work together in the same direction to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and co-operation," he said.
    China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Brunei, Vietnam and the Philippines have overlapping claims in the resource-rich South China Sea. Japan and China both claim islands that lie between them in the East China Sea.
    Earlier this week, Beijing was assertive about the disputes. In a policy document issued by the State Council, the country's cabinet, China vowed to increase its "open seas protection", switching from air defense to both offence and defense, and criticized neighbours who took "provocative actions" on its reefs and islands.
    Debate over the South China Sea has dominated discussion at the forum, which draws hundreds of military leaders, defense officials and security experts.
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