Japan calls for global action against China's new air defence zone

Japan has called on the international community to oppose China's recently declared maritime air defense zone over the East China Sea, and possibly over the disputed South China Sea.

Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera appealed the world powers for opposing any kind of "unilateral action by coercive means" that violates the spirit of the International Civil Aviation Organization treaty, the Japan Times reports.

Onodera warned that if any other country would establish a similar air zone in the South China Sea, this would bring up tension in the region.

He also said that the issue should be resolved by dialogue, the report added.

The United States, Australia, South Korea and other countries have also criticized China's decision of establishing new air identification zone with new rules of following Beijing's instructions for aircrafts entering the declared area.