Russia and China patrol together before Alaska
The Russian and Chinese militaries show joint presence in the North Pacific and the Arctic with long-range bomber patrols. The USA and Canada respond and send their own fighter jets into the airspace.
Russia and China have demonstrated a new presence in the North Pacific and the Arctic, near the border with the USA, through joint patrols of strategic long-range bombers. Russian bombers of the Tu-95MS type and Chinese bombers of the Xian H-6 type participated in patrols over the Chukchi Sea, the Bering Sea, and the North Pacific, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. During the five-hour flight, the crews worked together in all phases.
The joint patrol deepened mutual trust and coordination between the two sides, a spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry said. It had "nothing to do with the current international situation."
According to Russian reports, no foreign airspace was violated. The flight near the US state of Alaska led the USA and Canada to launch fighter jets nonetheless. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) of the USA and Canada reported that fighter jets intercepted the Russian and Chinese aircraft in the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) of Alaska, where aircraft must identify themselves.
"Boundless" Partnership
The Russian and Chinese machines remained in international airspace, and the incident was not considered a threat. However, one will continue to monitor activities in the vicinity of North America and "meet presence with presence." CNN quoted a US defense official, stating that this was the first time China and Russia had been intercepted during joint operations.
Russia and China have strengthened their military and economic cooperation in recent years. Just a few days before the start of Russia's attack on Ukraine in February 2022, the two countries announced further strengthening of their partnership and described it as boundless. Recently, China and Russia held a joint naval exercise in the South China Sea.
The US Military closely monitors the increasing military cooperation between Russia and China, particularly in regions bordering American interests such as Alaska. The political implications of this cooperation on international affairs are a subject of ongoing discussion and concern. Canadian authorities also maintain a vigilant stance due to the shared border and potential security implications.
