The Russian Aerospace Forces and the Chinese Air Force successfully conducted a joint air patrol over the Asia-Pacific region, showcasing growing military cooperation between the two nations. The patrol involved Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers from Russia and Hong-6K strategic bombers from China, completing an eight-hour flight over the waters of the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea, and the western Pacific Ocean, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The mission was supported by Russian Su-30SM and MiG-31 fighter jets, as well as Jian-16 fighters from the Chinese Air Force, which provided cover along the entire route. Notably, Russian aircraft landed and took off from an airfield within China, underscoring the operational coordination between the two nations.
At certain stages of the flight, the strategic bombers were accompanied by foreign fighters, although no incidents were reported. The Russian Defense Ministry emphasized that all activities were conducted in strict compliance with international law, with no breaches of foreign airspace.
“This event was carried out as part of the military cooperation plan for 2024 and is not directed against third countries,” the ministry stated, highlighting the defensive nature of the operation.
This patrol demonstrates the deepening strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.
