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U.S. Directly Challenges China's Air Defense Zone

Pair of American B-52 Bombers Fly Over Disputed Island Chain

Updated Nov. 26, 2013 2:31 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON—A pair of American B-52 bombers flew over disputed islands in the East China Sea without informing Beijing, U.S. officials said Tuesday, in a direct challenge to China and its establishment of its recently declared air-defense zone.

The planes flew out of Guam and entered the new Chinese Air Defense Identification Zone at about 7 p.m. Washington time Monday, according to a U.S. official.

Over the weekend, Beijing...

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