BEIJING, Nov. 28 -- Planes from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force conducted normal air patrols in China's recently established East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Thursday, according to a spokesman for the force.

Shen Jinke said that several fighter jets and an early warning aircraft carried out the patrol mission, which he described as "a defensive measure and in line with international common practices."

According to Shen, China's air force will remain on high alert and will take measures to deal with diverse air threats to firmly protect the security of the country's airspace.

On Saturday morning, the Chinese government issued a statement on establishing the ADIZ. It also announced aircraft identification rules and issued a diagram of the zone.

On the same day, the PLA Air Force conducted its first air patrol in the area.