TOKYO: China is considering declaring a new Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) over the South China Sea, according to a Japanese report yesterday, a move likely to fan tensions in an area riven by territorial disputes. The report comes months after Beijing caused consternation with the sudden declaration of an ADIZ above the East China Sea, covering islands at the centre of a sovereignty row with Tokyo. It also comes as countries in the region grow increasingly concerned about what they see as China’s aggressive territorial claims. Working level officials in the Chinese air force have drafted proposals for the new zone, which could set the Paracel islands at its core and spread over much of the sea, the Asahi Shimbun said, citing unnamed sources, including from the Chinese government. The draft was submitted to senior Chinese military officials by May last year, the daily said.
Minister quits to run for president
JAKARTA: Indonesian Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan said yesterday he had resigned, effective immediately, to focus on his campaign to win the presidential nomination for the ruling Democratic Party. The US-educated former investment banker is one of 10 candidates vying for presidential nomination by the party, whose fortunes have been slumping in opinion polls. “I already met the president two days ago and he accepted it,” he told reporters. AGencies
