China, along with Russia, found itself at the center of heightened tensions as South Korea's military scrambled fighter jets in response to their planes breaching the Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) in the East Sea.
The incident, lasting less than 20 minutes around midday local time, saw heightened tensions but did not breach South Korea's territorial airspace, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as per CBS News.
China, Russia Warplanes Enter South Korea Zone
Chinese J-20 stealth fighters of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) perform at the Airshow China 2022 in Zhuhai in southern China's Guangdong province on November 8, 2022.
The military successfully detected the planes prior to their incursion into the KADIZ (Korean Air Defense Identification Zone) and immediately activated the Air Force's fleet of fighter jets. In a recurring pattern, a recent incident has once again raised tensions, reminiscent of similar events in 2019. During that time, the situation escalated significantly as South Korean jets fired warning shots.
According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, an ADIZ is an area where countries have the authority to demand foreign aircraft to provide identification. However, it is important to note that, unlike a country's official airspace, there are no international laws that specifically regulate these zones.
In a recent development, Russia has made it clear that it does not acknowledge South Korea's air defense zone. On the other hand, China has taken a different stance, advocating for freedom of movement and focusing on the fact that the zone should not be considered as territorial airspace.
South Korea has reported an incident involving four Russian and four Chinese planes. This occurrence has compelled the country's air force to take tactical measures in response. China and Russia have both confirmed that their military aircraft regularly participate in joint exercises, according to official statements.
The latest breach involved two Chinese H-6 bombers and six Russian warplanes, including TU-95 bombers and SU-35 fighter jets. The planes entered South Korea's air defense zone in November 2022 and had similar maneuvers in May and August of the same year, according to The Independent.
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Korean Surveillance Resumes, Russia Eyes Joint Exercises
Amidst a number of incidents, tensions between South Korea and North Korea have risen along their border. Following North Korea's rocket launch in November, South Korea has taken the step of resuming surveillance flights. In a recent development, Russia has reportedly expressed interest in conducting joint military exercises with North Korea. However, it is important to note that there is currently no confirmation regarding North Korea's acceptance of this proposal.
A breach took place above waters situated between South Korea and Japan, especially in close proximity to an island that is claimed by both Seoul and Tokyo. In response to the incident, China has dismissed it as routine, demonstrating its commitment to upholding international law.
North Korea's state media has taken aim at the United States, Japan, and South Korea, expressing strong criticism over their collaborative initiative to exchange real-time data on missile launches. The state media has labeled this move as a concerning step towards escalating regional tensions and potentially sparking a conflict in the area.
As South Korea grapples with these recurring breaches, the international community watches closely, mindful of the delicate geopolitical dynamics at play in the East Sea, The Strait Times reported.
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