South Korea and Japan Scramble Jets as China, Russia Conduct Joint Air Patrol
South Korea and Japan deployed fighter jets on Tuesday in response to a joint air patrol by China and Russia in the East China Sea. The joint patrol, which involved seven Russian and two Chinese military aircraft, entered South Korea's air defense identification zone multiple times over an hour without prior notification, raising tension in the region. Both countries have stated that the patrol was conducted within the annual plan for military cooperation and was not directed against third countries.
Background and Context
The incident comes amid growing unease in East Asia, with heightened tensions between Beijing, an ally of Moscow, and Tokyo, which is close to Seoul. The joint patrol was the first such exercise in over a year and was apparently a part of a long-range flight above the western Pacific. Two Russian nuclear-capable bombers flew from the Sea of Japan toward the East China Sea to join the two Chinese bombers. The patrol lasted for eight hours and did not violate South Korean airspace, according to the country's military command authority.
Key Developments
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the nine aircraft sequentially entered the air defense identification zone, prompting the deployment of South Korean fighter jets as a precautionary measure. Japan also raised alarm due to the overflight and presented a formal protest.
The Chinese Ministry of Defense stated that the joint exercise demonstrates the countries' determination to face 'regional security challenges'. This statement, however, contrasts with the affirmation from Russia's defense ministry stressing that the air patrol was not directed against third countries.
Implications and Reactions
South Korea has formally protested the incident, with Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff stating that it will actively respond
to neighboring countries' activities in its air defense zone. This incident has further strained relations in the region, with Japan and South Korea already grappling with their respective territorial disputes with China.
Current Status
In the wake of the joint patrol, regional tensions have escalated. While the Russian and Chinese defense ministries maintain that the patrol was part of their annual military cooperation plan and not aimed at any third country, South Korea and Japan remain apprehensive about their activities in the region. The situation continues to unfold as the countries involved navigate their next steps amidst the growing unease.