Chinese fighter jets have not dramatically changed their behaviour near the disputed Senkaku Islands since Beijing created an air defence zone over the East China Sea, according to the top US commander in the Pacific.
Admiral Samuel Locklear, head of US Pacific Command, said the Chinese air force had continued to engage the US and Japanese in a professional way since the creation of the air defence identification zone in November.
“We haven’t seen a significant change in those interactions since the reported establishment of the defence zone by the Chinese,” Adm Locklear said on Wednesday during a visit to Japan. “The good news is that military forces are acting professionally as we interact in these areas.”