Russia and China Conduct Joint Air Patrol Close to Japan; Tokyo Responds Firmly

Japan heightened its alert level on Tuesday as Russian and Chinese military aircraft executed a joint air patrol in proximity to its territory, exacerbating the strained relations between Tokyo and Beijing. The Japan Defence Ministry confirmed that its fighter jets were deployed to monitor the situation closely.

The ministry reported that two Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers departed from the Sea of Japan toward the East China Sea, where they were joined by two Chinese H-6 bombers. Together, they engaged in an extensive joint patrol over the Pacific area. Additionally, four Chinese J-16 fighter jets joined the exercise, operating between the islands of Okinawa and Miyako, which are recognized as international airspace.

Simultaneously, Japanese reports indicated other Russian military activities in the Sea of Japan, including an A-50 early-warning aircraft alongside two Su-30 fighters. This synchronized operation of Russian and Chinese aircraft has heightened concerns in Tokyo regarding the strengthening military ties between the two nations.

Shinjiro Koizumi, Japan’s Defence Minister, expressed that the joint maneuver was “clearly intended as a show of force against our nation.” He emphasized that this operation presented significant worries for Japan’s national security. Koizumi noted that Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force adhered to strict identification protocols while tracking and responding to the planes.

According to Russian media, the joint patrol near Japan lasted almost eight hours.

In a related note, South Korea reported similar patterns on the same day, with seven Russian and two Chinese aircraft entering its air defense identification zone, although they did not breach South Korean airspace.

This incident follows heightened tensions over the weekend, when Japan accused Chinese carrier-based fighter jets of targeting radar at Japanese military planes, a claim denied by China.

Tensions between Japan and China have been escalating since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi asserted last month that Japan might respond to military action from China regarding Taiwan, particularly if it threatens Japanese security.

In recent times, Russia and China have been solidifying their military collaboration, conducting joint anti-missile drills in Russia and joint naval exercises in the South China Sea, indicating deeper strategic alignment.