Vice President Joe Biden will convey the concerns of the US and its allies to China about its newly-declared air defence zone in the disputed East China Sea to prevent "miscalculations" that could also lead to confrontation and accidents in the region.
"While a number of issues will be raised in the discussions he'll have, given the increase in regional tensions, the Air Defence Identification Zone that China announced will be an issue the vice president will raise," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said.
Biden is currently on a three-nation Asia trip to Japan, South Korea and China.
"He has an excellent relationship with the leaders of all three countries, and he will underscore how important it is to avoid actions that raise tensions and to prevent miscalculations that could undermine peace, security and prosperity in the region," Carney said yesterday.
Biden's visit is an opportunity for him to raise US concerns directly with policymakers in Beijing and to seek clarity regarding the Chinese intentions in making the move at this time, he said.
"It is also an opportunity to confer with our allies, Japan and the Republic of Korea, both of whom are directly affected by China's actions," Carney said.
The US, he said, remains deeply concerned that China announced the establishment of an East China Sea Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
"This appears to be a provocative attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the East China sea and thus raises regional tensions and increases the risk of miscalculation, confrontation and accidents," he said.
"We are consulting and coordinating closely with Japan, the Republic of Korea, and our friends and allies in the region. China announced the ADIZ without prior consultations, even though the newly announced ADIZ overlaps with parts of the longstanding ADIZ's of Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Taiwan, and includes territory administered by Japan," he added.
The United States, he said, does not accept the legitimacy of China's requirements for operating in the newly declared ADIZ.
"The fact that China's announcement has caused confusion and increased the risk of accidents only further underscores the validity of our concerns and the need for China to rescind the procedures," he said.
Last month, China declared an ADIZ over the East China Sea, including an island chain disputed with Japan, and warned all aircraft entering the zone had to obey its orders or face unspecified "defensive emergency measures".
