BEIJING -- China has closely monitored aircraft in the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) since it was established in November, a Chinese defense ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

Spokesman Geng Yansheng said at the ministry's regular press briefing that China had controlled the flight activity of 800 foreign war planes that entered the area between November 23, when the ADIZ was established, and December 22.

During the same period, 56 airline companies in 23 countries have reported 21,475 scheduled flights to China, Geng said, adding that China has sent 51 rounds of surveillance aircraft, early warning aircraft, and fighters on a total of 87 flights for policing or patrolling in the ADIZ air space.

At the briefing, Geng also responded to the media's request for Chinese comment on the tension in the East China Sea and the Diaoyu Islands.

He said China is determined to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity and it advocates addressing disputes through dialogues.

The current tension was stirred by Japan's illegal purchase of the Diaoyu Islands despite China's strong disagreement, and Japan should bear the consequences, he said.

Geng stressed that the Japanese side should take concrete measures to work with China to manage crisis and create favorable conditions for solving relevant issues.