ALWAGHT- Amid rising regional tensions, China and Russia conducted a joint strategic air patrol over the East China Sea, highlighting their expanding military cooperation.
On Wednesday, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson stated that recent joint air patrols conducted by China and Russia over the East China Sea and western Pacific reflect the two nations' commitment to safeguarding regional peace and stability. The patrols, involving Russian Tu-95MS and Chinese H-6K strategic bombers, were framed as part of the two countries' annual military cooperation plan and were described as not being directed at any third party.
The patrols prompted a swift response from Japan, which scrambled fighter jets in response to the aircraft flying near Okinawa and Miyako islands. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi denounced the operations as a show of force and a serious national security concern. The incident occurs amid heightened regional tensions, including recent remarks by Japan's prime minister regarding potential responses to contingencies involving Taiwan.
This air patrol is the latest in a series of deepening military exercises between China and Russia, which earlier this month conducted a joint anti-missile drill on Russian territory. Both nations consistently describe these activities as defensive and not aimed at any third country, but the growing frequency and scope of their coordinated operations underscore their strengthening strategic alignment and shared intent to project combined military capability in the region.
