Russian, Chinese Warplanes Fly Joint Patrol Near Japan, Raising Regional Tensions
GeokHub
Contributing Writer
Tokyo / Moscow, Dec 10 (GeokHub) Japanese defence officials say military aircraft from Russia and China carried out a long-range joint air patrol near Japan’s southwestern islands, prompting Japanese jets to scramble in response. Two Russian strategic bombers reportedly flew from the Sea of Japan to the East China Sea, where they met with Chinese bombers; the group was then escorted by four Chinese fighter jets on a round-trip between Okinawa and Miyako Island over international waters. Simultaneously, additional Russian aircraft — including an early-warning plane and two fighters — were observed in the Sea of Japan.
According to Japan’s Defence Ministry, the manoeuvre lasted about eight hours and was followed closely by the country’s air self-defence forces, which deployed jets to enforce air-defence identification procedures.
Analysis / Impact:
This joint operation marks a significant escalation in military cooperation between Russia and China near Japanese waters, and is seen by Tokyo as a clear demonstration of force. The manoeuvre heightens concerns about regional security and increases tensions between Japan, Russia, and China. It also underscores the growing reach and coordination of Chinese and Russian air forces across the East Asian region — potentially complicating Japan’s defence posture and raising alarm among its allies.
Given recent warnings from Tokyo over possible military threats — especially in the context of China’s posture toward Taiwan — the joint patrol could further destabilize regional dynamics and prompt heightened vigilance among neighbouring states.
