BEIJING (AP) China says it is fully capable of enforcing its newly declared maritime air defense zone that has drawn strong denunciations from the U.S., Japan and other nations.
Defense Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng says Beijing has unwavering determination to ensure its demands are met. China declared the zone over the East China Sea late last month and said all aircraft entering the vast area must identify themselves and follow Chinese instructions.
Geng says China's military is "fully capable of exercising effective control" over the area, which covers disputed islands and overlaps with similar zones declared by Japan and South Korea.
Geng's remarks were published Wednesday as U.S. Vice President Joe Biden was arriving in Beijing to meet with President Xi Jinping. On Tuesday, Biden said China's move raised regional tensions.
