Amid escalating tensions in East Asia, Japan is on high alert following joint military operations by Russian and Chinese forces. The Japanese Defence Ministry reported that two Russian Tu-95 bombers joined forces with Chinese H-6 bombers for a long-distance flight in the Pacific, closely monitored by Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force.
Joint Patrols Raise Alarm
On 3 October 2024, Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi declared that the actions of the Russian and Chinese military were a direct show of force aimed at Japan, raising serious concerns about national security.
- Two Chinese J-16 fighter jets participated in the joint mission.
- Japanese forces detected additional Russian activity involving an A-50 early-warning aircraft and two Su-30 fighters.
- The Miyako Strait, a critical location between Okinawa and Miyako Islands, is classified as international waters.
Chinese Naval Activities Ramped Up
Concurrently, Japan’s Self-Defence Forces reported that a Chinese aircraft carrier group conducted extensive training exercises, triggering protests from Tokyo. The Chinese carrier Liaoning’s fighters reportedly aimed radar beams at Japanese jets attempting to monitor the exercises.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara responded to the situation, stating that Japan would “respond calmly but firmly” while keeping watch over Chinese military movements in its vicinity.
Heightened Military Tensions
These military encounters represent a significant increase in confrontations between Japan and China in recent years, especially after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s warning regarding China’s military actions related to Taiwan. The escalating tensions could lead to further complications in Sino-Japanese relations.