China, Russia Stage Joint Air Patrol
China and Russia are staging a joint air patrol over the Sea of Japan and other waters.
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According to China's Defense Ministry [in Beijing], China and Russia sent bombers and fighter jets for "joint strategic air patrol" in airspace over the Sea of Japan, East China Sea and western Pacific on Saturday, 27th June, 2026.
The long-range patrol, the 11th between the two air forces, demonstrated "their resolve and capability to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability." - - According to Japan's Defense Ministry, it had scrambled fighter jets in response, adding that it had tracked the movements of Chinese and Russian aircraft — including four Chinese H-6 bombers and two Russian Tu-95 bombers — from the morning through the afternoon.
The flight also reportedly involved two Russian Tu-142 patrol aircraft, two Chinese J-16 fighter jets and one Russian Su-30 fighter jet. - - Japan Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, speaking at a news conference on Sunday following talks in Seoul with his South Korean counterpart, expressed concern at the latest joint patrol. - - Link: - - **Reminder earlier: (KR) Japan, South Korea Defense Ministers reportedly agree to further cooperation and exchanged - Yonhap (update) - **Reminder 25th June: (KR) South Korea Defense Minister and Japanese counterpart set to meet in Seoul, Korea this weekend.