China communicates with others on air zone: FM

　　East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (Source: Ministry of National Defense/China Daily)

China has communicated with related countries on its newly established Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the East China Sea, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday. [Special coverage]

"China has communicated with related countries over the ADIZ... and urges them to understand China's legitimate security concerns and right to self-defense," spokesman Hong Lei said at a daily press briefing on Monday.

China's ADIZ is portrayed as defending China's national sovereignty and its territorial and airspace security, as well as safeguarding orderliness over the East China Sea, Hong said, adding that the ADIZ is not targeted at any country and is in accord with international law and practice.

Stressing that the Diaoyu Island and its surrounding islets are an inherent part of the Chinese territory, Hong said it is natural for China's East China Sea ADIZ to cover the area.

"The Japanese side is not entitled to make irresponsible remarks against China," Hong said, underscoring China's opposition to Japan's establishment of its ADIZ in the 1960s, which also covered the Diaoyu Islands.

It is hypocritical for Japan to reject the communication while saying it always leaves the door of dialogue open, Hong said.

Hong urged Japan to immediately correct its mistakes, stop any acts that create friction and undermine regional stability, and avoid further damage to China-Japan relations.

On US airlines' move to submit flight applications to the Chinese aviation authorities, Hong said it shows a "constructive attitude" to coordinate with China to ensure flight order and security.