South Korea expands air defense zone, countering China SEOUL, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- South Korea said Sunday it has set up its own air defense zone to counter China's unilateral expansion of its own air defense zone. The new zone is designed to bolster the South's sovereignty over a reef off the south coast and other islands around the peninsula, the Yonhap news agency reported. China's air zone overlaps those of South Korea and Japan, and includes islands claimed by China and Japan. South Korea has said it does not recognize the Chinese zone, and has flown aircraft through it, Yonhap reported. The report said South Korea has consulted with friendly countries on its expansion. The United States also has said it would not recognize the Chinese zone, and Vice President Joseph Biden protested it during talks with Chinese leaders.