Summary
Russia and China have increased their joint military air patrols since 2019, with flights extending beyond East Asia into the Pacific and near Alaska. These operations involve bombers, some capable of carrying nuclear weapons, as part of their military cooperation aimed at addressing regional security challenges. The patrols are largely seen as political demonstrations to show military presence and cooperation between the two countries.
Key Facts
- Russia and China have been conducting joint air patrols since 2019.
- The patrols involve bombers, including some that can carry nuclear weapons.
- The flights have expanded beyond East Asia, reaching the broader Pacific region and near Alaska.
- Russia and China describe these actions as efforts to enhance their regional security cooperation.
- The December 9 air patrol near Japan was the 10th joint patrol conducted.
- China considers these patrols a key part of its defense strategy.
- Joint patrols increased in frequency in 2022, with some missions involving reciprocal visits to each other's airfields.
- The patrols operate within air defense identification zones but not within the sovereign airspace of South Korea and Japan.
