Russia and China conducted a historic joint patrol exercise near Alaska involving strategic bombers, signaling the deepening military cooperation between the two countries.
Two Russian Tu-95 bombers and two Chinese Xian H-6 planes flew over the Chukchi and Bering seas, with Russian fighter jets providing guidance during the mission that lasted over five hours.
The Russian Defense Ministry emphasized that the exercise was focused on enhancing cooperation between the two nations in a new area of joint operations and was not targeted against any third countries.
The United States and Canada responded by scrambling fighter jets to intercept the Russian and Chinese aircraft, monitoring the situation closely as the planes flew approximately 200 miles off the coast of the U.S.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the aircraft were closely monitored and did not breach U.S. airspace during the joint patrol exercise.
The joint air drills near Alaska, which involved bombers capable of carrying nuclear missiles, come as Russian President Vladimir V. Putin strengthens military ties with China amid global tensions, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In addition to the joint drills, Russia has been engaging in arms sales to China and receiving dual-use goods from China to support its military operations.
