South Korea announces expanded air defense identification zone

Posted on : 2013-12-09 16:46 KST Modified on : 2019-10-19 20:29 KST
Expanded zone overlaps with space claimed by China and Japan and could lead to regional frictions

By Ha Eo-young and Cho Hye-jeong, staff reporters

The South Korean government officially announced on Dec. 8 that it is expanding the Korean Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) to include Ieo Island and Mara Island, along with Hong Island in South Gyeongsang Province.

The new zone is scheduled to go into effect on Dec. 15.

Ministry of National Defense spokesman Kim Min-seok explained the decision at a briefing that day. “On Dec. 8, 2013, in accordance with legislation related to the air defense identification zone, the decision was made to adjust the scope of the Korea Air Defense Identifization Zone in consideration of the particularity of military air operations, the extent Flight Information Region (FIR) as defined by aviation law, and international precedent,” Kim said.

Kim went on to say the new zone “has been adjusted southward from its previous limit to include the skies around Ieo Island, along with other South Korean territory, namely Mara Island and the southern airspace of Hong Island.”

The area described by Kim indicates that the government’s newly designated KADIZ has been expanded to coincide with the internationally recognized Incheon FIR.

This adjustment to the KADIZ is the first since the US Pacific Air Forces drew it in March 1951 to prevent air attacks by the Chinese military.

The government had been considering an expansion after a Nov. 23 declaration by China that it was unilaterally expanding its own air defense identification zone in the East China Sea, a move that riled many. Seoul reportedly went through a process of articulating its plans to Washington, Beijing, and Tokyo.

Future discussions will be needed to discuss areas where the newly expanded zone overlaps with those of China and Japan. For now, Seoul appears likely to ignore China’s announced zone and follow the established prior negotiation procedures with Japan.

Kim said the decision should not be controversial. “This adjustment of the air defense zone is in line with the international aviation order and norms, and it does not inhibit civilian air traffic or infringe on the airspace and associated interests of our neighbors”.

“The government took sufficient steps to explain matters to neighboring countries before making this announcement,” Kim added.

But Kim also said Seoul would continue meeting with the other countries to “discuss the necessary measures for averting unintended military clashes in the adjusted KADIZ and guaranteeing aircraft safety.”

The new zone is scheduled to take effect on Dec. 15 after seven days of preparatory time for announcements by public bulletin and the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).

Politicians welcomed the decision, but also urged Seoul to take steps to reduce the risk of frictions with China or Japan.

Speaking at a briefing on Dec. 8, Yoo Il-ho, spokesman for the ruling Saenuri Party (NFP), called the move a “suitable measure for aviation security,” but added that “basic precautions need to be taken as soon as possible to lower the security risk in Northeast Asia.”

Park Yong-jin, spokesman for the opposition Democratic Party, also expressed approval at a briefing the same day. “It is positive to see an expression of intent - however belated - to play a proactive role in the growing security crisis,” he said.

Park also called on Seoul to give a “rough outline for building a longer-term, more fundamental Northeast Asian peace and security regime.”

US State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement that the US appreciates South Korea’s “efforts to pursue this action in a responsible and deliberate fashion by prior consultation with the United States and its neighbors.” Psaki added that the US appreciates South Korea acting, “in a manner consistent with international practice and respect for the freedom of overflight and other internationally lawful uses of international airspace.”

China, Japan did not make an immediate official response to the KADIZ announcement.

But the South Korean government said China and Japan were “sympathetic” about the new zone, while the US gave its tacit approval with an “expression of understanding.”

Jang Hyeok, director general of policy planning at the Ministry of National Defense, responded to questions about the possibility of a military clash occurring in an area where different countries’ zones overlap by saying it was “the first thing the government considered” in making its plan.

“There are communications networks between the South Korean and Chinese air forces, and those of South Korea and Japan, and there are procedures in place for discussions [to avert a military clash],” Jang explained.

“We will continue discussing matters [with neighboring countries] if there is anything that needs to be made up for, and those countries are also in agreement on this,” he added.

But even if China and Japan are as “sympathetic” as the ministry claims about the expansion, and discussions continue up until the new zone goes into effect on Dec. 15, differences among the three countries appear inevitable. Indeed, some are concerned about a possible dispute over the zones, noting that China may use the move as an excuse to announce its own expanded zone in the West (Yellow) Sea, and Japan to expand its zone to include the islets of Dokdo.

“We explained things [to China and Japan] amply beforehand,” said Jang. “The adjusted version confirms to international norms, and it doesn‘t go too far. Both countries are sympathetic about it being a necessary measure.”

“It would be inappropriate to make predictions [about the responses from Beijing and Tokyo],” he added.

Following the announcement, the air defense identification zones for South Korea, China, and Japan may continue to overlap for some time. Meanwhile, changes in the regional political dynamics have some concerned that the zones could precipitate a new conflict.

The South Korean government is considering changing its policy from instructing civilian carriers flying through China’s newly declared ADIZ not to notify China, to allowing the carriers to notify if they choose.

 

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