Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi have expressed grave concern over the latest joint patrols conducted by Chinese and Russian aircraft, Japan announced yesterday.
The tense encounter took place on Tuesday, intensifying regional unease at a time when Japan–China relations are already strained, following remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan that infuriated Beijing.
According to Japan’s defence ministry, both leaders agreed during a 15-minute video call to maintain close communication and monitor developments carefully. Koizumi also updated Rutte on another alarming incident in which a Chinese aircraft reportedly locked its radar onto Japanese planes near Taiwan — a move Japan views as highly provocative and dangerous.
Tokyo reported that two Russian Tu-95 nuclear-capable bombers flew from the Sea of Japan to join two Chinese H-6 bombers over the East China Sea. Together, they conducted a joint flight circling Japan, prompting Japan to scramble fighter jets in immediate response.
South Korea also confirmed that Chinese and Russian aircraft entered its air defence zone, triggering Seoul to deploy its own jets as a precaution.
China later stated that the drills were part of annual cooperation plans with Russia, while Moscow described the eight-hour operation as a routine exercise—claiming that foreign aircraft followed the formation closely throughout.
These developments unfold just weeks after Prime Minister Takaichi suggested Japan may be compelled to intervene militarily should China launch an attack on Taiwan, a statement that sharply escalated diplomatic tensions. Beijing views Taiwan as its territory and has repeatedly refused to rule out the use of force.
