Seoul and Tokyo scramble fighter jets after Russian and Chinese military aircraft conducted a joint air patrol near their territories, raising tensions in East Asia and highlighting the ongoing military assertiveness of both nations.

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Russian and Chinese Aircraft Enter South Korean Airspace

According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, seven Russian and two Chinese military aircraft entered the Korean Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) at around 10 a.m. local time (01:00 GMT) on Tuesday.

Although the KADIZ is not territorial airspace, it is an area where foreign aircraft are expected to identify themselves. In response, South Korea deployed fighter jets to take tactical measures and remain ready for any contingencies.

The Russian and Chinese planes remained within the KADIZ for approximately one hour before departing, according to Seoul’s official Yonhap news agency.

On Wednesday, Seoul lodged a diplomatic protest with Chinese and Russian representatives over the entry of their warplanes into the South Korean air defense zone.

“Our military will continue to respond actively to the activities of neighbouring countries’ aircraft within the KADIZ in compliance with international law,” said Lee Kwang-suk, director general of the International Policy Bureau at South Korea’s defence ministry.

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Japan Responds to Joint Air Patrol

Japan also scrambled military aircraft after the reported Russia-China joint patrol. Japanese Minister of Defence Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed the presence of two Russian Tu-95 nuclear-capable bombers and two Chinese jets capable of carrying long-range missiles.

Accompanying the bombers were at least eight Chinese J-16 fighter jets and a Russian A-50 aircraft, conducting a joint flight “around Japan” between Okinawa’s main island and Miyako Island.

Koizumi warned that the repeated flights signify an expansion and intensification of military activities, posing a serious national security concern for Japan.

This comes days after Koizumi accused Chinese fighter jets of targeting Japanese planes with fire-control radar in separate incidents over international waters near Okinawa.

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Chinese and Russian Statements

China’s Ministry of National Defence said the joint air patrol followed “annual cooperation plans,” marking the 10th joint strategic air patrol with Russia. The drills were conducted over the East China Sea and western Pacific Ocean.

The Russian Defence Ministry also confirmed the joint exercise, stating that it lasted eight hours, and that some foreign fighter jets followed the Russian and Chinese aircraft during parts of the route.

“At certain stages of the route, the strategic bombers were followed by fighter jets from foreign states,” the ministry said.

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Rising Tensions in East Asia

Since 2019, Russia and China have regularly flown military aircraft near South Korean and Japanese airspace, citing joint exercises. Similar incidents occurred in November 2024, when Seoul scrambled jets in response to six Russian and five Chinese military planes, and in 2022, Japan deployed jets after Russian and Chinese aircraft neared its airspace.

The joint patrol underscores the growing military ties between Moscow and Beijing since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Both countries are also allies of North Korea, which adds another layer of security concern for Seoul and Tokyo.

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Strategic Implications

Experts say these joint patrols demonstrate a projection of power in the East China Sea and Western Pacific, potentially testing the military readiness of South Korea and Japan. Both countries are responding with heightened air defense readiness, diplomatic protests, and closer coordination with US and allied forces in the region.

“The repeated flights are a clear message of force and a demonstration of growing cooperation between Russia and China, which Japan and South Korea must monitor closely,” noted a regional security analyst.

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Conclusion:

The scrambling of South Korean and Japanese jets in response to Russia-China joint air patrols reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions in East Asia. With increased military activity near the East China Sea and KADIZ, both Seoul and Tokyo are emphasizing vigilance, readiness, and compliance with international law, while monitoring potential threats to their national security.