Tokyo: Japan announced that it conducted joint military exercises with the United States over the Sea of Japan this week, at a time when tensions in the region are growing due to recent activities by China and Russia.
According to Japan’s Defence Ministry, two United States B52 bombers flew alongside six Japanese fighter jets in a coordinated drill aimed at strengthening cooperation and showing readiness to respond to any growing security threat. Officials said the exercise was part of ongoing efforts by both nations to prevent any forceful attempt to change the regional balance.
The drill took place soon after Chinese and Russian bombers carried out joint patrols near Japanese airspace. Japan and South Korea scrambled fighter jets in response to those flights. Tokyo has said the joint patrols were a clear sign of increasing military pressure in the region.
The situation escalated further earlier this month when Japanese fighter jets reported that Chinese aircraft from the carrier Liaoning locked fire control radar on them near the Miyako Strait. Japan protested the incident, calling it dangerous and unacceptable. China denied any wrongdoing and accused Japan of destabilising the region.
Diplomatic tensions have continued to rise, with China openly criticising Japan’s position on Taiwan and warning of what it calls growing Japanese military activity. Economic concerns are also emerging, as Japanese companies say strained relations with China could affect business and supply chains in the coming year.
Despite these challenges, Japan and the United States have reaffirmed their security partnership. Officials in Tokyo said the latest joint drill is a reminder that both countries remain committed to maintaining stability in the Indo Pacific region.