Japan-U.S. Military Drill Highlights Rising Tension in East Asia

Japan and the United States carried out a major joint air drill on December 10 near Japan’s western airspace. The exercise involved U.S. B-52 bombers and Japanese F-35 and F-15 fighter jets. It took place as tensions with China increased after several incidents in the region. The Japanese Defence Ministry confirmed the drill on December 11.

Officials said the drill showed the strength of the alliance at a time of rising security risks. It followed a series of Chinese actions that raised concern in Tokyo. The moves included radar-lock incidents and joint China-Russia bomber flights near Japan.

Japan-U.S. Military Drill Shows Strong Allied Resolve

According to Reuters, the two B-52 strategic bombers flew with three Japanese F-35 stealth fighters and three F-15 jets. The flight took place over waters between Japan and South Korea. Officials said the drill aimed to deter any attempt to change the regional status quo by force.

Japan’s Joint Staff said the security environment is growing more severe. It noted that Chinese aircraft recently locked radar on Japanese jets. It also pointed to the China-Russia joint bomber flight on December 9. Both events added pressure to an already tense region.

The Japanese Defence Minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, held talks with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth early on December 12. They discussed the radar incident and the wider Indo-Pacific situation. The ministry said both sides shared concern about moves that could raise tensions.

China denied Japan’s allegations about the radar locks. It accused Japan of interfering with normal Chinese military drills. Still, Japan said it would continue surveillance around its airspace and waters.

Rising Regional Tension Raises Global Concern

The joint drill came just one day after China and Russia carried out a long-range flight near Japan. Two Russian Tu-95 bombers joined Chinese H-6 bombers and flew down toward the Pacific. The four were later joined by Chinese J-16 fighters near Okinawa and Miyako.

Tensions have also grown after Japan’s Prime Minister said Japan could get involved if China acted against Taiwan. China criticized the statement. Japan responded with renewed surveillance and protests after more radar-lock incidents near southern Japan.

Washington repeated its strong support for Japan. U.S. officials said China’s actions were not helpful for regional peace. The joint drill with the B-52 bombers was seen as a signal of unity in the face of growing pressure.

The Japan U.S. military drill marks a strong response to the tense security situation. It also shows the depth of the alliance as regional risks rise.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did Japan and the U.S. hold the military drill?

They held it to show joint readiness as tensions rise in East Asia. It also aimed to deter actions that could change the status quo by force.

Q2: What aircraft joined the drill?

Two U.S. B-52 bombers and six Japanese fighters joined the exercise. The fighters included three F-35 jets and three F-15 jets.

Q3: What recent incident raised tensions?

Japan said Chinese aircraft locked radar on its jets. Radar-locking is seen as a sign of possible weapon use.

Q4: How did China respond?

China denied the claims. It said Japanese jets interfered with its exercises.

Q5: Why is the region tense now?

The region is tense due to activity by Chinese and Russian aircraft. It is also tense due to Taiwan-related remarks by Japan’s Prime Minister.