Japan reported a “long-distance joint flight” by Russian and Chinese bombers over the Sea of Japan and toward the East China Sea. The operation increased friction between Tokyo and Beijing. Japan and South Korea scrambled fighter jets to track two Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers, two Chinese H-6 bombers, and four Chinese J-16 fighters. The aircraft moved between Okinawa and Miyako islands during the eight-hour mission.
Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the activity was a deliberate “show of force” and a threat to national security. South Korea said seven Russian aircraft and two Chinese aircraft entered its air defence zone during the same period.
The United States criticised China for aiming radars at Japanese military aircraft last week. A State Department spokesperson said China’s actions harm regional stability and confirmed that the U.S.-Japan alliance remains strong.
China rejected Japan’s claims. Its foreign ministry said the drills followed international law and were conducted with restraint. Officials accused Japan of misleading its allies and escalating tensions. Beijing remains displeased with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent hypothetical comments on a possible response to a Chinese attack on Taiwan. Reuters reported that former U.S. President Donald Trump advised Takaichi to avoid further escalation.
