Academic and student comment on Chinese Air Identification Zone in East Chinese Sea

Professors Rosemary Foot and Rana Mitter and visiting student Xie Chao have all recently commented in various media on Chinas recent announcement that it is establishing an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the East China Sea.

Rosemary Foot commented in The Telegraph (28 November), saying: I dont necessarily see this as indicative of a more assertive leadership under President Xi. It is more of another step to assert Chinas territorial claims. She added: But certainly, President Xi must take full responsibility for a policy that is dangerous and ill-thought out. The article can be found here.

Rana Mitter commented in the China Daily website (28 November) that China clearly regards its own territorial claims as having been underplayed and understated in recent decades and is now looking to reverse the situation. Rana was also quoted in the New York Times (2 December) on Presidents Xis relationship with Japan stating that: He does not appear to have any direct experience with Japan or connection with it through his family background. The articles can be found here and here.

Visiting doctoral student Xie Chao wrote an opinion article in the Global Times which asks the question whether the move is simply a tactical response to Japans tough talk or a strategic move with larger goals. The article can be found here.