US urged to correct mistakes on China's air zone

BEIJING - A senior Chinese diplomat lodged solemn representation with US ambassador to China Sunday over US response to China's setup of East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said that China's Assistant Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang had lodged representation with US Ambassador Gary Locke, in which China required the US side to correct its mistakes immediately and stop making remarks irresponsibly.

Qin said the setup of the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone by the Chinese government complies with the Charter of the United Nations and international laws and practices.

"Its aims are to protect China's state sovereignty and territorial and airspace safety," he said, adding that such a move "aims at no specific nation or target and will not affect the freedom of over-flight in relevant airspace."

Qin reiterated that the Diaoyu Island and its surrounding islets are an inherent part of the Chinese territory and China "will firmly defend the territorial sovereignty over the Diaoyu islands."

"The current situation over the Diaoyu Islands totally derived from the wrong words and deeds of the Japanese side," he said.

He urged the United States "not to choose side" over the issue and "make no more inappropriate remarks."

China announced to establish the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone Saturday. US Department of State and certain officials expressed concern after the announcement.