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December 02, 2013, 06:58 pm Biden goes on mission to China By Julian Pecquet Vice President Biden has been thrust into the center of an escalating standoff with China that is testing him on the global stage ahead of a possible presidential run in 2016. President Obama dispatched Biden to Asia, where he will deliver a strong warning to China for declaring an air defense zone over islands that are also claimed by U.S. ally Japan. “This is an opportunity for Vice President Biden to raise our concerns directly with policymakers in Beijing and to seek clarity regarding the Chinese...

@StateDept screwed up giving US airlines guidance to share flt info w/#China on Air ID zone. Sr WH officials disavow. w/@VP in Asia@gwbstr thanks - not yet. Some other Sr White House officials saying one hand didn't know what other hand doing #Asia #China Air ID Zone

Geneva (AFP) - The United States said Saturday it was "deeply concerned" and committed to defending Japan after China announced an air zone in the East China Sea that includes disputed islands. In a move that US ally Japan branded as "very dangerous," China said it was setting up the "air defense identification zone" over the islands administered by Tokyo to "guard against potential air threats." (snip) Hagel reiterated that the Japanese-administered Senkaku islands -- which the Chinese claim and call the Diaoyu -- fell under the US-Japan security treaty, meaning that Washington would defend its ally Tokyo if the...