A Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesman has indirectly acknowledge the flights of three PLA warplanes into the Korean Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) over Ieodo on Aug. 22.
By U.S. Air Force photo by Chief Master Sgt. Gary Emery [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Colonel Wu Qian said air defense identification zones are not territorial airspace and that Chinese airplanes can legally pass through them.
“Recently, Chinese military aircraft flew to relevant airspace above the Sea of Japan to conduct training. On their way to the training area, they flew though the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone and other international airspace. This training is included in the training program,” said Colonel Wu.