China has reacted to the U.S. encircling their country with fighter jets and stealth bombers by establishing a defensive perimeter in the East China sea.
On November 23, 2013 the Pentagon issued a statement which indicates that China has drawn a proverbial line in the sea with the establishment of a “air defense identification zone” in the East China Sea, “increasing the risk of misunderstand and/or miscalculation”, according to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.
This pertains to non commercial aircraft entering that area, in what the Chinese military officials are calling “a defensive emergency measure.” All this is happening as China establishes patrols in the region of military ships and aircraft. This is a measure to protect the security of China’s airspace from perceived military threats.
China did not say exactly what measures it would take against aircraft that disobey the new rules, but defense experts say its military could scramble jets or even shoot down planes it views as a threat – in a worst case scenario.
This comes amid news that the U.S. is encircling China with fighter jets and Stealth bombers (source: http://thediplomat.com/2013/07/us-is-encircling-china-with-fighter-jets-and-stealth-bombers/). A move many see as a provocation toward China.
“The United States is deeply concerned by the People’s Republic of China announcement today that it is establishing an air defense identification zone in the East China Sea. We view this development as a destabilizing attempt to alter the status quo in the region.
This unilateral action increases the risk of misunderstanding and miscalculations.
This announcement by the People’s Republic of China will not in any way change how the United States conducts military operations in the region.
The United States is conveying these concerns to China through diplomatic and military channels, and we are in close consultation with our allies and partners in the region, including Japan.
We remain steadfast in our commitments to our allies and partners. The United States reaffirms its longstanding policy that Article V of the U.S.-Japan Mutual Defense Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands” (source: Department of Defense press briefing http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=16392).
See related video: China declares Air Defense Zone http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHaiD6zqiJg