KADIZ
The government announced its new South Korean Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) that includes the submerged rock of Ieodo and areas south of the two islands of Marado and Hongdo.
This is the first time for the KADIZ to be expanded in 62 years after its initial establishment in March 1951 by the US Pacific Air Forces to foil Chinese air strikes during the Korean War (1950-53).
In particular, Seoul’s move is aimed at countering Beijing’s unilateral declaration of its own Air Defense and Identification Zone (ADIZ) on November 23 that overlaps with KADIZ’s southern end of Jeju Island and also includes airspace over the South Korea-controlled Ieodo.
The Korean defense ministry said the new zone will take effect beginning Dec. 15.
The Korean government has said that it won’t recognize the declared Chinese zone and has flown aircraft through it. Seoul has also prepared to expand its own air zone after Beijing refused to reconsider its decision when the two sides held high-level defense talks last week.
“The air defense and identification zone adjustment is in line with the international aviation order and international regulations,” the ministry said, adding, “It does not put any restriction on civilian flights or infringe upon the airspace and interests of neighboring countries.”
“Before this announcement today, we offered sufficient explanations to related countries,” the ministry said. “The government will discuss with them necessary measures to prevent accidental military clashes within the newly adjusted air defense and identification zone,” it added.
Beijing’s declaration of the new ADIZ was interpreted as a measure to counter US efforts to increase its influence in the region under US President Barack Obama’s Asia Pivot policy. The US has raised serious concerns and said it won’t recognize the Chinese declaration.
The issue was a key topic for US Vice President Joe Biden during his recent trip to Japan, China, and South Korea. His talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping did not bring about any understanding to calm the issue.
On December 6, Biden had talks with Korean President Park Geun-hye. When Park outlined Korea’s position on the issue, Biden said he “appreciated President Park’s explanation and South Korea’s efforts.”