Russian and Chinese bombers recently conducted joint air patrols over international airspace near Alaska, demonstrating their growing military cooperation. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed concern over the development, as it marked the first time Chinese bombers entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone and flew from the same base as Russian jets in northeast Russia. The Pentagon confirmed that the aircraft did not breach US or Canadian airspace, coming within 200 miles of the coast.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the crews practiced coordination during the five-hour patrol, emphasizing compliance with international law. China’s Defense Ministry also confirmed it was the eighth joint air patrol with Russia since 2019, asserting it was not aimed at any third party and unrelated to current international affairs.
Both Moscow and Beijing denied allegations of Chinese support for Russia’s conflict in Ukraine. The exercise reflects ongoing tensions between the US and its adversaries, as Russia frequently monitors US airspace and escorts American aircraft away from its borders.