South Korea is set to extend its air defense identification zone after China announced its ADIZ over the East China Sea last month covering a submerged rock claimed by both countries. US Vice President Joe Biden voiced support for South Korea he visited the country on Friday and said the United States will not recognize China's zone, reports our Chinese-language sister paper Want Daily. Biden met South Korea's presidnt, Park Geun-hye, in Seoul on Friday morning. The vice president said on behalf of President Obama that the US does not recognize the Chinese ADIZ and it will have no effect on American operations in the region. He reiterated the US commitment to Asia and said the country will continue to support South Korea. Biden was more outspoken than he had been on his visit to Beijing immediately prior to flying to Seoul. The South Korean government has convened a national security policy meeting and decided to expand its air defense identification zone to cover airspace above the disputed Socotra Rock, known as Ieodo to South Korea and Suyan Rock to China, as well two other islands, Marado and Hongdo. South Korea already has a research station and a helipad on Socotra Rock. The air zone's exact boundary will be announced later after the country consults with its neighbors. Japan has also been unnerved by China's air defense zone since it has also includes the disputed Senkaku or Diaoyu islands at the center of the country's territorial dispute with China. The Japanese Diet on Friday reached a consensus that China's declaration of the zone will increase tensions in the East China Sea and threaten peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Tokyo plans to lodge an official protest against the zone to Beijing. A source claimed that Biden may also convey US concern over the influence of South Korea's expansion of air defense zone, which may further inflame tensions in Northeast Asia. South Korea Air Defense Identification Zone expands USA&Japan; raises Hands Why,more information about latest news about easy asia as to Internation diaploma in chinese eyes,browse and subscribe channal http://youtube.com/user/cosmeticmachines

• published: 25 Dec 2013
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