Carriers Say Travel To Asia Will Not Be Disrupted

A newly-established Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) off the coast of China will not disrupt U.S. and other flights to Asia, according to airline officials. Still, the U.S. State Department has cautioned U.S.-flagged carriers to be sure to contact Chinese officials before their aircraft penetrate the new zone.

Airline officials said that they already are in contact with China or any government when they cross an international border. USA Today reports that, according to Airlines for America spokeswoman Katie Connell, U.S. airlines "are in communication with both U.S. and Chinese civil aviation authorities and continue to follow standard international flight notification protocol and procedures."

China put the ADIZ in place over a portion the East China Sea November 23. It was almost immediately tested by U.S. and other military aircraft, and those airplanes were reportedly not challenged by the Chinese. China did say it "monitored" the flights into the new zone. The U.S. has not officially recognized the Chinese claim to the airspace.

The area is between China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. China says that it must be notified in advance of any aircraft movements in the area or it will take "defensive measures" against those that don't comply. Those neighboring countries, along with the U.S., have said they will not honor the zone, saying it is an effort by China to claim disputed territories.

FMI: www.state.gov