WASHINGTON — U.S. officials say two U.S. B-52 bombers flew over disputed islands in the East China Sea during a training mission Tuesday, defying China’s new territorial claims.
The officials say the two bombers were in the zone for less than an hour and encountered no problems. The Chinese on Saturday issued a map and a new set of rules governing the zone, which includes a cluster of islands that are controlled by Japan but also claimed by Beijing. China said all aircraft entering the area must notify Chinese authorities.
The bombers flew out of Guam, and the mission took place between about midnight Monday and 3 a.m. EST. U.S. officials say the flights were long-planned and not in direct reaction to China’s latest declaration.
