Claiming Same Region As China Effective December 15

South Korea has expanded an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) over the South China Sea that encompasses part of the airspace recently claimed as an ADIZ by China. Japan also claims jurisdiction of the airspace.

China recently expanded an ADIZ over a submerged rock known as Ieo-do in South Korea and Suyan in China, which Seoul says is in its territory. The region has long been a source of dispute between the two countries. China's move drew protests from South Korea and Japan, as well as the United States.

The French news service AFP reports that South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Min-Seok said "We will coordinate with related countries to fend off accidental military confrontations and to ensure the safety of airplanes," adding that the new ADIZ is "in line with international aviation protocols."

A spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department said the Seoul government had consulted with Washington before making its claim.

The new zone takes in about 25,670 square miles off the south coast of South Korea.

FMI: www.mnd.go.kr/mbshome/mbs/mnd_eng/