South Korean airlines comply with China’s air defence zone rules

South Korean airlines on Thursday said they would comply with rules set by Beijing for its newly declared air defence zone over the East China Sea.

The move followed guidance from Seoul allowing airlines to choose if they would adhere - a policy regarded as tacit state approval - but is in breach of South Korea’s official stance which rejects the new zone.

Last month China declared an Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), which covers much of the East China Sea, and expects all aircraft passing through to provide a flight plan and identification details.

South Korea had defied this with military overflights and on Sunday responded by expanding its own zone, but the country’s two major airliners have confirmed they are now providing information in line with Chinese requirements before traversing the area.

“We started submitting flight plans as of today,” an Asiana spokeswoman said.

Korean Air is also complying, a company spokesman said.