Joint Air Patrol Marks Tenth Such Operation
On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Russia and China conducted a joint strategic air patrol near Japan, marking the tenth such operation between the two nations since 2019. This extensive patrol, part of their annual military cooperation plan, involved strategic bombers and fighter jets from both countries, flying for approximately eight hours over international waters.
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the participation of its Tu-95MS strategic bombers, while China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) deployed H-6 bombers. The bomber formation was reportedly escorted by various support aircraft, including Russian A-50 early-warning aircraft and Su-30 fighter jets, as well as Chinese J-16 fighter jets. The aircraft traversed the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea, and the Western Pacific Ocean, including a passage through the strategic Miyako Strait, located between Japan's Miyako and Okinawa islands.
Japan and South Korea Scramble Warplanes
In response to the joint patrol, both Japan and South Korea scrambled their respective air forces. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) deployed fighter jets, including F-15Js, to monitor the Russian and Chinese aircraft. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi voiced strong concerns, stating on social media that these 'repeated joint bomber flights by Russia and China represent an expansion and intensification of their military activities around Japan' and 'clearly indicate deliberate acts of intimidation directed toward our country and constitute a serious concern from the standpoint of Japan's national security.'
Similarly, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff scrambled fighter jets after identifying seven Russian and two Chinese military aircraft entering its Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) over the Sea of Japan and its southern coastal waters. South Korea's military stated it took 'tactical measures in preparation for any contingencies' and subsequently lodged a diplomatic protest with both Russian and Chinese representatives. While the aircraft entered the KADIZ, South Korean officials confirmed that no violation of its territorial airspace occurred.
Context of Heightened Regional Tensions
This latest joint patrol occurs amidst a period of heightened regional tensions. Both Moscow and Beijing have consistently stated that these joint air patrols are part of their annual cooperation plans and are not aimed at any third country. However, the exercise follows recent incidents, including Chinese J-15 fighters from the aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning reportedly locking radar on JASDF F-15Js near Okinawa.
The increasing frequency of such joint operations between Russia and China is seen by some analysts as a demonstration of their deepening military cooperation and a pushback against U.S. influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Officials in Tokyo, Seoul, and Washington have repeatedly warned that these incursions and large-scale patrols could destabilize the already tense security environment in the region and increase the risk of miscalculation.
5 Comments
Coccinella
This isn't 'cooperation,' it's a joint bullying effort. Shameful.
Mariposa
Both sides are playing a geopolitical game, asserting their spheres of influence. While this demonstrates their alliance, it also highlights the precarious balance of power in the Indo-Pacific and the constant risk of an incident.
Muchacha
The US has military bases everywhere, why can't others train? Japan and SK are just puppets.
Bella Ciao
No territorial airspace was violated, which is important to note. Still, the sheer scale and consistent presence of these joint patrols serve as a significant show of force that naturally causes concern for Japan and South Korea's security.
Comandante
The argument that this is a response to U.S. influence holds some weight from their perspective. Yet, the repeated nature of these incursions near sovereign nations creates a volatile environment and could easily lead to unintended conflict.