CCTV9英语新闻12月：外交部：中国对防空识别区愿意对话 日本太虚伪（在线收听）

Japan’s Defense Minister said on Friday his country could not accept China’s air defense identification zone that includes the airspace over Diaoyu Islands which China maintains is its sovereign territory. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Hong Lei, on Monday urged Japan to reflect on history and stop politicizing the issue.

“Diaoyu Island and its affiliated isles have been Chinese territory since ancient times, so it is reasonable that China’s air defense identification zone covers the area. Japan isn’t in a position to judge this decision. Japan set up its own ADIZ in the early 1960s, which illegally covers China’s Diaoyu Islands. China has always and firmly objected it. I want to reiterate that China’s aim of setting up ADIZ is to safeguard our sovereignty, territory and air space, we are not targeting any country or region. We offered to discuss with Japan flight safety in the overlapping area of both countries’ ADIZ. But Japan refused to talk. The country always says it opens to dialogue, which is only showing its hypocrisy. We urge Japan to stop creating friction, stop making statements that hurt regional stability and work toward maintaining regional peace and stability.” said Hong Lei, Spokesman, China Foreign Ministry.

Hong Lei praised the US government which has suggested to airlines that they comply with the requirements of China’s ADIZ. Meanwhile Japan has told its airlines not to report as China requires.