Reblogged from Consortium of Defense Analysts:
Agence France-Presse reports that on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013, China announced that it has set up an "East China Sea air defense identification zone" that includes the Japan-held Senkaku Islands, which Chinese call Diaoyutai and over which China also claims ownership.
The Chinese Defense Ministry said the zone was created to “guard against potential air threats,” and dispatched its air force jets, including fighter planes, to patrol the new zone.
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What I've been fearing is upon us. China and Japan both claim ownership of a cluster of small islets in the East China Sea called Senkaku (by the Japanese) and Diaoyu (by the Chinese). Yesterday, China upped the ante by declaring an East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone over the islets. Japan will not back down, and US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel reiterated the U.S. position -- (1) that the U.S. recognizes Japan as the owner of the Senkakus; and (2) that the islets are included in the U.S.-Japan Mutual Defense Treaty. In other words, the U.S. will be obliged by treaty to aid Japan should war breaks out between Japan and China over the islets. ~Dr. Eowyn
