China using ADIZ as test for South China Sea issues: scholars

Taipei, Nov. 30 (CNA) China recently claimed a broad air defense identification zone (ADIZ) over the East China Sea, but local scholars consider the move to be simply a test for South China Sea issues.

Three days after its sudden proclamation of the ADIZ Nov. 23, China sent its Liaoning aircraft carrier battle group to the South China Sea.

China's move demonstrates its influence on the international stage, said Wong Ming-hsien, director of Tamkang University's Graduate Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies.

"The ADIZ might just be a tester, the South China Sea will be the real problem," Wong told CNA.

Song Yann-huei, an Academia Sinica researcher, said China is aiming to tell the United States: "Your military aircraft can fly through our ADIZ and we have our right to sail in the South China Sea."

"China uses such diplomatic strategies to echo the U.S. strategy of 're-balance to Asia,'" Song said, adding that it is a strength-matching game between the two sides.

(By Tsai Su-jung and James Lee)/ Focus Taiwan