DHAKA: China said its new measures over the air defence zone should not affect regular flights of commercial aircraft crossing the area.

China has ‘adequate resolve and ability to protect its sovereign rights and national safety’, by enforcing the new air defence zone in the East China Sea but this should not make other countries ‘panic’.

A China foreign ministry official said on Wednesday, reports The Straits Times.

Qin Gang, a spokesman for the foreign affairs ministry said China had informed countries in advance of the need to notify Beijing before flying across the zone, and that this new stipulation should not affect normal flights of commercial aircraft crossing the area.

However, he made no mention of the ‘defensive emergency measures’ Beijing had threatened on Saturday against aircraft that did not comply with its stipulation to notify Beijing before they fly over the area.

Meanwhile, China also expressed its ‘strong dissatisfaction’ and lodged solemn representations against Australia, refuting its foreign minister Julie Bishop’s remarks about how Beijing’s new air defence identification zone will not contribute to regional stability.

‘It is totally wrong for Australia to make critical comments,’ said Qin.

BDST: 1619 HRS, NOV 27, 2013