China Declares Air Defense Zone Over Japanese Claimed Islands. Warns of Action Against Aircraft Over Disputed Sea

China Establishes 'Air-Defence Zone' Over East China Sea -- BBC

China has demarcated an "air-defence identification zone" over an area of the East China Sea, covering islands that are also claimed by Japan.

China's Defence Ministry said aircraft entering the zone must obey its rules or face "emergency defensive measures".

The islands, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, are a source of rising tension between the countries.

Japan lodged a strong protest over what it said was an "escalation".

"Setting up such airspace unilaterally escalates the situations surrounding Senkaku islands and has danger of leading to an unexpected situation," Japan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Read more ....

More News On China Declaring An Air Defense Zone Over Japanese Claimed Islands

Announcement of the Aircraft Identification Rules for the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone of the P.R.C. -- CCTV
China Warns of Action Against Aircraft Over Disputed Sea -- New York Times
China Sets Air Defense Zone Over East China Sea -- AP
China bolsters East China Sea claim, warns of "defensive measures" -- Reuters
China creates air defence zone over Japan-controlled islands -- AFP
China Declares Air Defense Zone in East China Sea Amid Row -- Bloomberg
China Expands Defense Zone to Include Islands Claimed by Japan -- Voice of America
China creates new air defense zone in East China Sea amid dispute with Japan -- Washington Post
China creates 'air defense zone' to oversee disputed East China Sea -- Deutsche Welle
China imposes airspace restrictions over Japan-controlled Senkaku islands -- The Guardian
Chinese jets conduct patrols over islets claimed by Japan -- Jagran
Japan Protests China's Air Defense Zone -- Wall Street Journal
Japan protests China's air defense zone over Senkakus in E. China Sea -- Global Times/Kyodo News
China and new air-defense identification zone threatens Japan’s sovereignty -- Modern Tokyo Times
Japan Protests China's New Air Defense Zone -- Voice of America
China’s new air defense zone above Senkakus “very dangerous” escalation, Japan says -- Japan Times

My Comment: This is an incredibly dangerous escalation. The following questions then begs an answer .... will China shoot down a Japanese (or even an American) aircraft if it flies through this region?