Russian bombers join Chinese air patrol near Japan as Tokyo-Beijing tie strains
Summary
Japan scrambled jets to monitor Russian and Chinese bombers conducting joint air patrols near Japan amid rising tensions with Beijing. The joint operation involved bombers and fighter jets over the Pacific and nearby waters, seen as a show of force against Japan's national security.
Key Points
- Two Russian Tu-95 bombers and two Chinese H-6 bombers conducted a long-distance joint flight near Japan.
- Four Chinese J-16 fighters joined the bombers for a round-trip flight between Okinawa and Miyako islands.
- Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi condemned the joint operation as a show of force and a national security concern.
- South Korea also reported Russian and Chinese aircraft entering its air defense zone during this period.
