Right to set up air zone 'a matter of sovereignty'

It is within China's sovereignty to establish air defense identification zones, an official at the Ministry of National Defense reiterated on Thursday.

Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun made the remark at a news conference in response to comments by a senior United States defense official that the US will not recognize an air defense identification zone in the South China Sea.

"It is the right of a sovereign state to establish air defense identification zones. Other countries' indiscreet advice in this regard is not needed," Yang said.