Overview
- Two U.S. B-52 bombers flew with three Japanese F-35s and three F-15s over the Sea of Japan on Wednesday, Japan’s Defense Ministry said.
- Japan said the flight demonstrated allied resolve to prevent any unilateral attempt to alter the status quo.
- The operation followed reports that Chinese and Russian bombers and fighters conducted coordinated patrols over the Sea of Japan and East China Sea, prompting South Korea to scramble jets when aircraft entered its air defense identification zone.
- Japan reported two fire-control radar lock-ons by Chinese jets near Okinawa over the weekend; the U.S. State Department called the behavior not conducive to peace, while China claimed Japanese aircraft endangered its carrier.
- Taiwan’s defense ministry said Chinese J-16 fighters and H-6 bombers carried out long-range training south of the island late Wednesday.