Flights operating smoothly over China's air defense zone

China on Thursday confirmed the smooth operation of flights over the country's newly established Air Defense Identification Zone in the East China Sea.

Everybody can see that flights over the zone have been normal and safe, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a daily press briefing, adding that in particular, civil flights have not been impacted at all.

China on Saturday announced its East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), which requires aircraft to report their flight plans and identify themselves while flying through the zone.

"We expect all sides, including aviation companies, to actively coordinate with us and jointly safeguard flight safety," Qin said, adding that aviation companies from many countries have submitted flight applications to the Chinese aviation authority.

Also on Thursday, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun reaffirmed China's commitment to respecting other countries' rights of free flight in accordance with international laws.

"The normal flight of international flights in the zone will not be affected," Yang said, stressing that the establishment of the East China Sea ADIZ will not change the legal nature of relevant airspace.