China says ADIZ in South China Sea depends on threat

China said on Wednesday that it will decide whether to declare an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the South China Sea in accordance with the extent of threat.

"The ADIZ is not a Chinese invention, but rather that of some big powers. If our security were threatened, of course we have the right. It depends on our comprehensive judgment," said Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin at a press briefing at the Information Office of the State Council.

A white paper titled "China Adheres to the Position of Settling Through Negotiation the Relevant Disputes Between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea" was published on Wednesday, after an award was issued on Tuesday in the arbitration unilaterally initiated by the former Philippine government.

Liu urged other countries not to "take the opportunity to threaten China," and called on other countries to work with China to jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Liu reiterated that settling relevant disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea through negotiation is the theme of the white paper, as well as the policy of the Chinese government.

"We hope to work with countries surrounding the South China Sea, including ASEAN members, abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), maintain peace and stability as well as the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea," Liu said.

He noted such a policy has not changed and will not change.

As for the arbitration award, the vice foreign minister reaffirmed that China will not execute the award. And he called on the Philippines to return to the track of bilateral negotiation. Endi