Globiscope
Russian TU-95 bomber flying over the East China Sea in an image released by Japan’s Defence Ministry. — Reuters
Japan Scrambles Jets as Russia and China Conduct Joint Patrol Near Its Airspace
- Japan deploys fighter jets to track Russian and Chinese aircraft.
- Tokyo calls joint patrol a “show of force.”
- China-Russia military cooperation intensifies.
Japan scrambled its fighter jets after Russian and Chinese bombers carried out a joint long-range patrol near its airspace on Tuesday. The Japanese defence ministry confirmed the incident and said tensions with Beijing are rising.
🔹 Joint Bombers Approach Japanese Islands
Two Russian Tu-95 bombers flew from the Sea of Japan to the East China Sea. There, they linked up with two Chinese H-6 bombers. Together, the aircraft conducted a long-distance patrol over the Pacific.
Later, four Chinese J-16 fighters joined the formation. They flew between Okinawa and Miyako islands, an international water passage known as the Miyako Strait.
🔹 Russia Conducts Additional Activity
Japan also spotted a Russian A-50 early-warning aircraft and two Su-30 fighters operating in the Sea of Japan. The defence ministry monitored them closely.
🔹 Tokyo Calls It a “Show of Force”
Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the joint operation was a deliberate show of force against Japan. He called the activity a “serious national security concern.”
He added that Japanese jets executed strict air-defence procedures in response.
🔹 Eight-Hour Patrol, Says Moscow
The Russian defence ministry told state media the joint patrol near Japan lasted eight hours. South Korea also detected seven Russian aircraft and two Chinese aircraft entering its air-defence zone on the same day.
🔹 Rising Tensions in the Region
Japan recently accused Chinese carrier-based fighter jets of targeting Japanese aircraft with radar. Beijing rejected the claim. However, tensions continue to rise after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Japan could respond if a Chinese move against Taiwan threatened its security.
🔹 China–Russia Cooperation Growing
Both countries have increased military cooperation. Their joint drills now include missile training in Russia and live-fire naval exercises in the South China Sea.
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