Tensions Escalate: Japan Monitors Russian and Chinese Air Patrols

Japan scrambled jets to monitor joint Russian and Chinese air patrols amid heightened tensions with Beijing. The patrols involved strategic bombers and fighter jets conducting long-distance flights near Japan’s territory, prompting security concerns. South Korea also reported incursions into its air defense zone by these aircrafts.

In a move reflecting escalating tensions in East Asia, Japan has deployed fighter jets to monitor joint air patrols conducted by Russian and Chinese forces, according to the Japanese defence ministry. The operation involved strategic bombers and fighter jets executing patrols near Japanese airspace.

The ministry reported that Russian Tu-95 and Chinese H-6 bombers carried out a "long-distance joint flight" from the Sea of Japan to the Pacific, accompanied by additional escort fighter jets over international waters near Okinawa. Meanwhile, simultaneous Russian air force operations were also detected.

Concerns have been voiced by Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who labeled the maneuvers as a calculated show of force. This development coincides with ongoing reports of heightened military collaborations between China and Russia in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)