China, U.S. in touch on ADIZ: FM spokesman

BEIJING, Dec. 4 -- China has maintained communication with the United States over its newly established Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Wednesday.

Hong made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to a question on whether the air zone will be a main topic during U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's visit.

Hong said China has already briefed the U.S. side on the legitimacy, defensiveness and openness of the air zone and expects understanding, respect and coordination from the United States.

He recalled the successful exchanges between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Biden when Xi was still vice president, noting that the two old friends will exchange views on a new model for major-country relations as well as other issues of common concern during this visit.

Biden is scheduled to visit Beijing from Dec. 4 to 5, at the invitation of Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao.