South Korea engaged military aircraft after Russian and Chinese warplanes entered its Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) on Tuesday. South Korean officials subsequently communicated their concerns to Chinese and Russian defense representatives.
Incident Details
On Tuesday, seven Russian and two Chinese military aircraft entered the KADIZ. The Russian aircraft were detected near Ulleung Island and Dokdo, while the Chinese aircraft were observed near Ieodo. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that its fighter jets were deployed to "take tactical measures" in response. South Korea clarified that the aircraft "briefly entered" the zone but "did not violate" its sovereign airspace.
International Communication
The South Korean defense ministry confirmed that it informed the Chinese and Russian defense attaches based in the country about the incident on Wednesday. A ministry statement affirmed that the military would "actively respond to aircraft activities from neighboring countries in the KADIZ in compliance with international law."
Context of Air Defense Identification Zones
Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZs) are designated areas where countries request foreign aircraft to identify themselves. These zones are distinct from sovereign airspace and are not governed by international law as national territory.
- Past Occurrences: Similar entries by Chinese and Russian aircraft into South Korea's ADIZ have occurred since 2019, often during joint exercises.
- Russia's Position: Russia does not acknowledge South Korea's ADIZ, asserting that its unilateral establishment does not impose legal obligations on other nations.
- China's Statement: China confirmed that its air force conducted a joint patrol with Russia in the East China Sea and Western Pacific airspace. A national defense spokesman characterized this exercise as part of an "annual cooperation plan" aimed at "addressing regional challenges and maintaining regional peace and stability."
Disputed Territories
The incident occurred in proximity to areas subject to international claims:
- Dokdo Islands: These islands are claimed by South Korea, Japan, and North Korea.
- Ieodo: This submerged rock, located above South Korea's Jeju Island, is a point of contention between Seoul and Beijing, with both nations including it in their respective ADIZs.