Russia’s recent military maneuvers has increased tensions in the region, especially as it targets Japan, one of our close allies. Four Chinese J-16 fighter jets accompanied Russian Tu-95 nuclear-capable strategic bombers during a round-trip flight. This exercise was conducted in the waters between Japan’s Okinawa and Miyako islands. Such a momentous joint operation was worth the attention. Japanese officials have been watching intently ever since, with Japanese officials on alert for developments.
The combined flight took about eight hours, according to a statement by the Moscow Defense Ministry. Provocations around Japan intensified with the unprecedented entry of seven Russian planes and two Chinese planes into South Korea’s air defense identification zone. This development sheds light on the deepening military ties between Russia and China.
Japan’s defense response was immediate. Japanese fighter jets “strictly implemented air defense identification measures” during the joint Russian-Chinese flight, signaling Tokyo’s commitment to maintaining its airspace security. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi characterized the operations as a serious threat, stating that they were “clearly intended as a show of force against our nation, which is a serious concern for our national security.”
Most recently, on 30 November, Japan was able to identify concurrent Russian air force exercise in the Sea of Japan. This activity consisted of one early-warning aircraft, the A-50 and two Su-30 escort fighters. These recent developments contribute to the context of China’s expanding military footprint in the region. Images have emerged of carrier-launched fighter jets currently in theater aggressively locking radar on Japanese military aircraft. Since day one, Beijing has challenged Japan’s version of events.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi responded to questions about Japan’s military involvement in the event of an action against Taiwan. She made clear that Tokyo would retaliate to any Chinese military move that poses a threat to Japan’s security. This announcement highlights the increasing concern Japan feels about China’s military objectives and what they mean for stability in the region.
Joint operational efforts between China and Russia are not unprecedented. In recent years, all that has changed as both countries have dramatically expanded their military cooperation. They previously staged such anti-missile training exercises on Russian territory. In fact, just a week before the Michelle Obama delegation began, they conducted live-fire naval drills in the South China Sea.
Their enduring partnership was recently on display when Russian Tu-95 bombers flew joint exercises with Chinese H-6 bombers across the Pacific. This move further exemplifies their mutual commitment to developing and implementing integrated military operations.
