US BOMBER AIRCRAFT MONITORED BY CHINA

The US B-52 planes flewed over disputed islands in the East China Sea on Tuesday without announcing themselves, defying new Chinese air defence rules.

China has been accused of unilaterally attempting to alter the status quo and escalate regional tensions.

The new air zone, announced by China, overlaps with the air defence identification zone set out by Japan, and covers disputed islands that are controlled by Japan.

The US said it had followed "normal procedures" during the bombers' flight and had not filed flight plans with China.

China says aircraft passing through the zone must obey its rules, including identifying themselves, or face "emergency defensive measures".

However, the defence ministry said that after the US flight made no reference to any emergency measures.

"China's air force monitored the entire course of the US bombers, identified them in a timely way, and ascertained the type of US aircraft," the statement said.

"China will identify all aircraft activity in East China Sea Air Defence Identification Zone", it added.

"China has the ability to effectively manage and control the relevant air zone."