China has declared an airspace defense zone over the East China Sea above territory claimed by South Korea and Japan, prompting criticism from Japan, the U.S., and South Korea, and some direct challenges in recent days. China declared the zone, Saturday, saying it would police the airspace. Japan, the U.S. and South Korea have refused to recognize the air zone, which covers a group of islands claimed by both China and Japan and also contains South Korean interests. The U.S.s involvement includes obligations to Japan, which, by treaty, it must defend from attack. Chinas declaration was not spontaneous and came just days after U.S. bomber activity in the disputed area.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.avweb.com/recent-updates/business-military/china-attempts-airspace-grab