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The navies of Japan and South Korea said Thursday they had carried out a joint maritime rescue drill in international waters covered by China's new air defense identification zone.
Japan's Maritime Self Defense force used two warships and a helicopter, while its South Korean counterpart also used several pieces of military equipment for the routine training, a Japanese navy spokesman said.
The Japanese military did not inform China about the use of the helicopter, he added.
"It was conducted within what China said was its ADIZ (air defense identification zone)," he said. "The drill had been planned for a long time, since before China's announcement. It was not organized in reaction," he added.
Last month, China declared the new ADIZ over a tranche of the East China Sea, including islands disputed with Japan as well as South Korea's ADIZ.
The two Asian democracies have refused to recognize the Chinese zone, as has the United States.
Beijing said aircraft entering the zone must obey its orders and provide a flight plan to Chinese authorities, or face unspecified "defensive emergency measures".
© (c) 2013 AFP
11 Comments
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OssanAmerica
Despite the perpetual anti-J comments from the Korea supporters, the fact is that the South Korean and Japanese militaries have been cooperating and training together. This is not the first time. I think that those who serve in the armed forces who put the lives in line for the defense of their country, regardless of what country, pretty much recognize who is likely to be on their side and who won't if push came to shove.
tokyo-star
This is good to hear, and surprised it didn't make bigger news. I think it's huge - but perhaps the right-winger Abe didn't want the populace to know that the military is cooperating with that of Korea.
A big middle finger aimed straight at Beijing though, good work.
davidake
what drill? rescue drill to rescue Japanese pilots when they are shot down, ha, ha.
anbinh
Japan ,Korea .together ?... China is fuming and worry.
ikkoikki
"The two Asian democracies have refused to recognize the Chinese zone, as has the United States." So why did Yonhap report that Seoul had told civil carriers to abide by the PRC's ADIZ rules?
Shanchan
Noting like that happened. Seoul said it's up to the individual airlines decission whether they will report the flight plans or not. South Korean military doesn't recognize the Chinese zone.
nath
Up yours China!
OssanAmerica
Why not? Japan and SKorea have issues but they are not anything like China-Japan where actual conflict may break out.
Saketown
It seems like Communist China has successfully brought Asia and The International Community to THE BOILING POINT!
However, their attempts at "Land Grabbing" has already Back-Fired in their faces, because it triggered something I thought was never possible: Mutual Cooperation between South Korea and Japan.
Furthermore, other Asian Nations including Austrailia have pledged support to Japan and resist any Communist Incursion by Communist China.
If "Perpetual War for Perpetual Peace" is going to be the theme for 2014 then So Sayeth The Profit!
Gengar
Tomorrow's headline: Chine sends more fighter jets to newly declared ADIZ.
CoconutE3
Talking about "between a rock & a hard place" for Koreans. They're keeping an awfully low profile lately.