World News Korner

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea on Sunday announced expansion of its air defense zone following China's move to establish a similar zone that has been criticized by Beijing's neighbors.

South Korea earlier requested China to redraw its air defense zone because it partly overlaps with South Korea's but Beijing rejected it. The U.S., Japan and other countries have also protested the Chinese zone.

Beijing said last month that all aircraft entering the vast area must identify themselves and follow Chinese instructions. U.S. and Japan have flown military reconnaissance flights in the area without notifying China in defiance of Beijing's announcement.

The new South Korean zone includes a submerged rock embroiled in territorial disputes with China and enlarged parts of airspace that is also covered by the Chinese zone. The new South Korean zone also overlaps with parts of the Japanese air defense zone.