Although Japan's airspace remained unbreached, the ministry expressed serious concerns to China and Russia through diplomatic channels, interpreting the maneuver as a clear display of military force.

Recent developments indicate an active engagement between China and Russia in joint military operations, seemingly aimed at countering the international order led by the United States and Western nations.

According to the ministry, two Chinese H-6 bombers and two Russian Tu-95 bombers flew together over the Sea of Japan, continuing their course toward the East China Sea. Two Chinese fighter jets were also observed accompanying the bombers during their flight over the waters.

Confirming the incident, the South Korean military's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that on the same day, eight military aircraft—four from China and four from Russia—entered Seoul's designated air defense identification zone. South Korea promptly dispatched fighter jets in response, clarifying that the Chinese and Russian planes, including bombers, did not violate the country's airspace.

The air defense identification zone serves as a national defense perimeter, determining whether the scramble of fighter jets is necessary when foreign aircraft enter without prior notification.

The Chinese Defense Ministry verified that China and Russia conducted a joint aerial patrol over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea on the same day. This marks the sixth joint patrol between the two countries and occurs against the backdrop of increased military cooperation between Beijing and Moscow.

This incident follows previous joint flights conducted by Chinese and Russian bombers near Japan's waters in November of the preceding year. (ILKHA)