Tokyo has become increasingly concerned over the increasing frequency of flights of Russian nuclear (can be equipped with nuclear weapons) Tupolev Tu-95 bombers and Chinese Xian H-6 bombers near Japanese territorial waters.
The situation is heating up dangerously
More specifically, on November 11 the Japanese prime minister described the flights of Russian and Chinese bombers near Japan as “the most difficult and complicated security environment since the war.”
Speaking at Iruma Air Base near the Japanese capital, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized growing efforts to change the status quo around Japan. He added that he supported the redeployment of long-range missiles to strengthen the defense capabilities of the island state.
Although Japan’s airspace remained intact during these coordinated flights from Moscow and Beijing, the Japanese defense ministry cannot help but be extremely concerned about the situation. These concerns have also been transferred to the diplomatic level.
The Japanese prime minister emphasized that there has been a major change in Japan’s strategic approach, which is why the country will now begin acquiring “counterattack” capabilities, even if this requires targeting enemy bases.
This change in state policy reflects a historic shift away from the defensive post-war character of the Japanese armed forces, which for many decades focused exclusively on the defense of Japanese territory.
But now it appears that circumstances are forcing Tokyo to change course, especially given North Korea’s escalating rhetoric about using nuclear weapons against its enemies.
At the same time, Beijing and Moscow are increasingly participating in joint military operations, apparently as part of an effort to strengthen their relations and cooperation with the ultimate goal of countering the international order, which is led by the United States and other Western countries.
The enhanced Moscow-Beijing military cooperation has given rise to many concerns and analyzes in Washington and Beijing due to the possible consequences that a Russia-China-North Korea alliance etc. could have in the East Asian region, especially in the Taiwan Strait.
However, it should be noted that the first flights of Russian and Chinese bombers began last year in May, when aircraft of these two superpowers were within breathing distance of Japanese airspace. Since then these flights have become more and more regular.
