DHAKA: China’s envoy to the Philippines says her country has a sovereign right to establish a maritime air defence zone over the East China Sea and replicate it over another disputed region.

Chinese ambassador Ma Keqing defended Beijing’s decision to establish the Air Defense Identification Zone in an area between China, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan, reports The Straits Times.

Neighbouring countries say they will not honour the new zone, believed aimed at claiming disputed territory.

When asked about concerns that China might set up a similar zone over the disputed South China Sea, which is also claimed by the Philippines, Ma said on Monday it was within the Chinese government’s right to decide where and when to set up such a zone.

BDST: 1850 HRS, DEC 02, 2013