BEIJING – After
getting no concessions from China on its new air defense zone, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden flew to Seoul on Thursday to meet South Korean leaders also worried by Beijing's claim that it now controls all air space over the vast East China Sea.
In the Chinese capital Thursday morning, Biden told American business leaders he had been ''very direct'' in telling President Xi Jinping about the U.S. government's objections to a zone that has also angered Japan, Biden's first stop on his three-nation, week-long trip.
"China's recent and sudden announcement of a new air defense identification zone has, to state the obvious, caused significant apprehension in the region,'' Biden said.
But as China's economy grows, its stake in regional security also rises, he said.
''That's why China will bear increasing responsibility to contribute positively to peace and security,'' said Biden.
China's state-run media Thursday repeated arguments that blame Japan, not China.
"The current tension in the East China Sea is stirred up by Japan to win pity," said an editorial in the Global Times, a Communist Party-controlled newspaper.
Chinese analysts have said the new air zone is primarily aimed at forcing Japan to begin negotiations over a group of uninhabited islands annexed by Japan in the 19th century.
Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are located along the East China Sea as is the eastern coast of China. The sea contains vast fishing resources and is estimated to have untapped oil and natural gas deposits, as well.
China says it all belongs to it. ...
Rest of story at USA Today________________
Thanks, Joe. Another job ... done!
