US and Japan conduct joint bomber drillsjoint bomber drills near Japan amid China-Russia flights
The United States and Japan held joint air exercises on December 11, 2025, involving two B-52 bombers and Japanese F-35 and F-15 fighter jets over Japan's airspace. The drills followed Chinese and Russian bombers flying together near Japan and South Korea, prompting Tokyo to scramble jets, as well as Chinese carrier drills where Japan accused Beijing of radar-locking its aircraft. Both sides exchanged protests over the incidents.
These exercises highlight rising tensions in East Asia, driven by Japan's statements on potentially defending Taiwan and China's military activities around the region. They signal deepening US-Japan military cooperation to counter perceived threats from China and Russia, amid a worsening security environment that includes radar incidents and joint patrols.
Japanese and US Perspective
Japan views Chinese and Russian bomber flights and radar-locking as provocative acts that threaten regional stability. The joint drills with US B-52 bombers demonstrate resolve to deter aggression and maintain the status quo, especially regarding Taiwan. Tokyo has scrambled jets and protested to Beijing while strengthening alliances.
Chinese Perspective
China describes its military drills as routine training that complies with international norms. It accuses Japanese jets of dangerous close reconnaissance that endangers safety and calls Japan's protests disinformation. Beijing urges Tokyo to stop interference and self-reflect on its actions.
- Japan's Article 9 constitution limits JSDF to self-defense since 1947.
- B-52s set distance records, including 1962's circumnavigation without landing.
- Sea of Japan name sparks disputes; Korea prefers East Sea.
US-China Military Escalation Indo-Pacific
The United States conducted its first operational firing of the Typhon mid-range missile system from the Philippines on May 5, 2026, during joint exercises with Manila, Japan, Australia, France, Canada, and New Zealand. The Tomahawk cruise missile traveled over 600 kilometers from Leyte to strike a target in Nueva Ecija, demonstrating long-range strike capability that can reach the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and parts of mainland China. China condemned the deployment as provocative and responded with its own naval drills, while tensions escalated further when Taiwan's coast guard expelled a Chinese research vessel suspected of conducting underwater surveillance near the island.
