U.S. nuclear-capable bombers flew over the Sea of Japan alongside Japanese fighter jets on Wednesday, Tokyo said, demonstrating military readiness following recent Chinese and Russian drills near U.S. allies.
The Japanese Defence Ministry stated that both countries “reaffirmed their strong resolve to prevent any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force” and confirmed readiness of their respective forces.
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Two U.S. B-52 bombers joined three Japanese F-35 stealth fighters and three F-15 air-superiority jets. This marks the first U.S. assertion of military presence since China began regional exercises last week near Japan and South Korea.
A U.S. official said the flights were pre-planned and noted that similar joint sorties, including U.S. B-1B bombers, had occurred last month, signaling that the drills are part of routine military coordination with Japan.
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The joint flights follow Chinese and Russian strategic bomber missions in the East China Sea and western Pacific. Separate Chinese aircraft carrier drills also prompted Japan to scramble jets after being targeted by radar beams, raising regional tensions.
Japan and U.S. officials emphasized that maintaining strong defense alliances remains critical, especially with rising Chinese military activity near Taiwan. Taiwan also reported increased Chinese military presence and 27 aircraft conducting joint patrols near the island.