Biden: New Chinese Air Defense Zone Has Caused "Apprehension"

Told business leaders he had discussed the issue with President Xi Jinping

Vice President Biden said Wednesday he was direct with Chinese leaders that the country's new air-defense zone had caused major "apprehension" in the region. 

Biden reiterated in a speech to business leaders that he brought up the move with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their meeting.  

"China's recent and sudden announcement of the establishment of a new Air Defense Identification Zone has, to state the obvious, caused significant apprehension in the region," he said at a breakfast in China with the American Chamber of Commerce and the U.S.-China Business Council.

Biden is on a weeklong trip to the region, making stops in China, Japan and South Korea. He departed China and landed in South Korea Thursday morning.