Tuesday 19 March 2024
 
»
 
»
Story

US commercial jets to notify China of flight plans

New York, November 30, 2013

The United States on Friday advised US commercial airlines to notify Chinese authorities of flight plans over the East China Sea although a US administration official said that did not mean Washington accepted China's new rules.

The directive came as tensions escalated over disputed islands in the East China Sea and China scrambled jets on Friday in response to two US spy planes and 10 Japanese aircraft entering its new air defense zone.

China last week announced that foreign aircraft passing through the new air defense zone should identify themselves to the Chinese authorities.

"The US government generally expects that US carriers operating internationally will operate consistent with NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) issued by foreign countries," the State Department said in a statement.

"Our expectation of operations by US carriers consistent with NOTAMs does not indicate US government acceptance of China's requirements."

On Wednesday, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said US carriers were being advised to take steps to operate safely over the East China Sea, but she did not know whether the new rules would affect commercial airlines, or just military aircraft.

A US administration official told Reuters on Friday that China's action appeared to be an attempt "to unilaterally change the status quo in the East China Sea and thus will raise regional tensions and increase the risk of miscalculation, confrontation and accidents."

"We urge the Chinese to exercise caution and restraint, and we are consulting with Japan and other affected parties, throughout the region," the US official said.

Beijing's new rules mean aircraft have to report flight plans to China, maintain radio contact and reply promptly to identification inquiries as well as display clear markings of their nationality and registration.-Reuters




Tags: China | Flights | US jets |

More INTERNATIONAL NEWS Stories

calendarCalendar of Events

Ads