(VOVworld) – US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific affairs Daniel Russel has said the US called on China not to continue its establishment of the Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) in areas of territorial disputes.

Senkaku/ Diaoyu islands are located in the air defense zone unilaterally claimed by China (Photo: Reuters)

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Russel confirmed the US’s concern over the recent developments in the East China Sea as well as the East Sea especially unilateral provocative actions and illegal statements. He added the US considers the establishment of the ADIZ main cause to instability  and tension in the region and hindrance to navigation in the international airspace. Russel said this move may lead to wrong calculation and unexpected confrontation. Regarding US’s response in case China goes ahead with its ADIZ expansion to other disputed territories, Russel said President Barack Obama’s administration had quick response when China established the ADIZ in the disputed territorial waters with Japan late last year. Russel also criticized this move saying that any sovereignty claims must be based on the international law and the United Nations’ Convention on the Law of the Sea.