China asserts control over air zone despite US B-52 flights

China insisted Wednesday it has the capacity to enforce its controversial newly-declared air zone over islands disputed with Japan, despite Beijing's reluctance to intervene after American B-52 bombers flouted its rules. The flight of the giant long-range Stratofortress planes was a clear warning that Washington would push back against what it considers an aggressive stance by Beijing in the region. Beijing's non-confrontational response elicited scorn from some Chinese netizens as weak in the face of defiance, but analysts said it may never have intended to impose the zone by force. "We also have the ability to exercise effective control over the East Sea Air Defense Identification Zone," (ADIZ) he said.