Russia-China Military Cooperation: Nuclear-Capable Bombers Conduct Joint Flight Near Japan Prompting International Concern

Russia and China executed a "long-distance joint flight" from the Sea of Japan toward the East China Sea, amid growing tensions between Tokyo and Beijing, according to the Japanese Defence Ministry.

In response, Japan and South Korea deployed their jets to monitor the Russian and Chinese air forces, which included two Russian Tu-95 nuclear-capable strategic bombers and two Chinese H-6 bombers. The formation was later joined by four Chinese J-16 fighters as they navigated between Japan's Okinawa and Miyako islands.

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi characterized the joint operations as a "show of force" against Japan and expressed "serious concerns" regarding national security implications.

The South Korean military reported that seven Russian aircraft and two Chinese aircraft entered its air defence zone during the operation.

According to Russian media sources, the joint flight near Japanese airspace continued for approximately eight hours.

The United States has, for the first time, criticized China for directing radars at Japanese military aircraft last week. "China's actions are not conducive to regional peace and stability," a State Department spokesperson stated on Tuesday, referring to the radar incident.

"The U.S.-Japan Alliance is stronger and more united than ever. Our commitment to our ally Japan is unwavering, and we are in close contact on this and other issues."

China responded by stating that their training and exercise activities were conducted safely and in a restrained manner while respecting international law.

"We hope that the international community can tell right from wrong and not be hoodwinked by the Japanese side. Japan's allies, in particular, should heighten their vigilance and not be manipulated by Japan," added Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sparked controversy last month after making hypothetical comments regarding how Tokyo might respond if China were to attack Taiwan.

Beijing has demanded that she withdraw these comments and has accused Tokyo of military threats, while advising Chinese citizens against traveling to Japan.

According to Reuters, former US President Trump contacted Takaichi last month and urged her not to escalate the diplomatic dispute.