Did US Cave On China Air Defense Zone Demands?

Many Americans were outraged over the new China air defense zone demands, but U.S. airlines are being advised by the U.S. government to comply by telling China of any flights passing through the disputed area.

Last week, China announced that all aircraft entering the airspace over the disputed East China Sea, located between China, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan, must first notify Chinese authorities and also that China would take unspecified measures against those who do not comply.

After U.S. and Japanese aircraft entered the airspace, China scrambled two fighter jets to investigate — rather intimidate — the flights. Now it would appear that the U.S. is not testing the waters before Vice President Joe Biden visits China Monday.

(Read Also: Defiant China Launches Two Fighter Jets Over East China Sea)

While the United States said it expected its carriers to operate in line with notices issued to airmen by foreign countries, the decision did “not indicate U.S. government acceptance of China’s requirements,” Reuters reported.

Obama administration officials claimed the decision was only made out of an abundance of caution to avoid any miscommunications that could lead to a disaster.

Still, neighboring countries and the U.S. have said that they will not honor the new zone. Chinese defense ministry said fighter jets identified and monitored the two U.S. reconnaissance aircraft and a mix of 10 Japanese early warning, reconnaissance and fighter planes during their flights through the zone early Friday.

Japan, however, is not willing to allow itself to be bullied by the Chinese. Japan’s two major airlines agreed with Japanese government officials to continue flying through the zone without notifying China.

Vice President Joe Biden is due to arrive in Tokyo Monday on a week long trip to Asia, and has said he would raise the issue directly with Chinese leaders.

The U.S. has tried to stay out of such territorial disputes, but post-World War II treaty obligations to Japan may force the U.S. to get involved.