S Korea extends air defence zone to overlap with China’s

Johannesburg – South Korea has said it has extended its air defence zone to partially overlap with a similar zone declared by China two weeks ago.

South Korea’s Defence Ministry announced the expansion of its own zone to include two territorial islands to the south and a submerged rock also claimed by China, News24 reports.

However, the Defence Ministry head of policy Jang Hyuk said the move would not infringe on neighbouring countries’ sovereignty and will not impact their relationships with China and Japan as they are trying to work for peace and cooperation in Northeast Asia.

Hyuk further claimed that they have explained their position to related countries and overall they are in agreement that this move complies with international regulations.

South Korea objected to China’s decision of establishing an air defence zone as “unacceptable” because it includes a maritime rock named Ieodo, which Seoul controls, with a research station platform built atop it.