Foreign planes identified in China's air defense identification zone

BEIJING - The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force on Friday identified and verified foreign military planes entering China's recently established East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to a spokesman for the force.

Shen Jinke said fighter jets with the PLA air force on Friday morning took off in an emergency response to verify two reconnaissance aircraft from the United States and identify 10 Japanese planes.

"The PLA air force has realized its effective normal monitoring of targets in the zone," Shen said.

According to the spokesman, China's air force has been fulfilling its duties and missions since starting air patrols in the ADIZ along with the navy, and it has conducted full-range monitoring as well as timely identification and verification of foreign planes entering the area.

Shen said that air force and navy pilots shouldering the patrol mission will work together closely and stay on constant alert to safeguard air defense security.