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The Chinese Defense Ministry has responded to recent remarks from Japan and the US on the newly established East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone. The zone, which covers the disputed Diaoyu Islands, allows China to identify, monitor, and if necessary, take emergency defensive measures against any flying objects entering its airspace.

Japan has said it cannot accept the fact that the zone includes the Diaoyu Islands. In response, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said Japan’s criticism was baseless and unacceptable. The zone was created to protect China’s state sovereignty and the safety of its territory and airspace.

The spokesman added that the zone conforms with international law, and will not affect the freedom of flight. Yang also said the Diaoyu Island and its surrounding islets are an inherent part of China’s territory, and that the country’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty is unwavering. He urged Japan to stop hampering China’s territorial sovereignty by making irresponsible and misleading remarks.

Meanwhile, the US said it was deeply concerned over the establishment of the zone, and was committed to defending Japan. Yang said the current tensions over the Diaoyu Islands stem entirely from Japan’s own words and deeds. He urged the US to remain neutral in the dispute, and avoid inappropriate statements that might give misleading signals to Japan.