A joint patrol of Russian and Chinese bombers near Alaska’s coast Wednesday marks a significant shift in military dynamics, raising concerns about the growing alliance between these two global powers.
This unprecedented event saw Chinese H-6 bombers penetrate Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) for the first time, accompanied by Russian TU-95 aircraft.
An ADIZ serves as a buffer zone around a country’s airspace. While entering this area isn’t an act of war, it’s often seen as provocative.
It’s a tactic China has used before, particularly against Taiwan, in what’s known as “gray zone” warfare. This strategy aims to wear down the opponent’s resources without crossing into open conflict.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) responded swiftly to the incursion. “We detected, tracked, and intercepted two Russian TU-95 and two PRC H-6 military aircraft,” NORAD stated. Both the U.S. and Canada scrambled fighters to monitor the situation, demonstrating their readiness to respond to potential threats.
Video released by the Russian Air Force: https://t.co/LX8veS8vm0
— Ian Ellis (@ianellisjones) July 25, 2024
It’s worth noting that while Russian bombers have entered Alaska’s ADIZ before, this joint patrol with China represents a new level of cooperation between the two nations. A source told Air & Space Forces Magazine that the bombers took off from the same Russian airbase, highlighting the depth of their military collaboration.
Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Col. Zhang Xiaogang confirmed the operation, describing it as a “strategic joint air patrol.” He stated, “This is the eighth air strategic joint patrol organized by the two militaries since 2019. It further tested and improved coordination between two air forces and deepened strategic mutual trust and substantive cooperation.”
Despite Zhang’s assurances that the patrol “had nothing to do with the current international or regional situation,” the timing and nature of this operation raise questions about China and Russia’s intentions in the Arctic region.
China has been increasingly assertive in Arctic affairs, dubbing itself a “near-Arctic state” and proposing a “polar Silk Road” as part of its broader infrastructure initiatives. This self-proclaimed status and China’s growing interest in Arctic resources have not gone unnoticed by the international community.
This evening, I was briefed by General Nahom, commander of the Alaskan Command, and General Guillot, NORTHCOM Commander, regarding two Russian and two Chinese bombers that were intercepted in Alaska’s ADIZ by the United States Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force. This…
— Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) July 25, 2024
The Pentagon expressed concern about this growing cooperation even before the joint patrol. A recent Department of Defense report stated, “While significant areas of disagreement between the PRC and Russia remain, their growing alignment in the region is of concern.” The report also noted China’s ambitions to “pursue greater influence and access, take advantage of Arctic resources, and play a larger role in regional governance.”
While NORAD emphasized that the Russian and Chinese aircraft “remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace,” the message sent by this joint patrol is clear. It signals a willingness by both nations to challenge the status quo and test the responses of Western powers.
READ NEXT: Regional Home Goods Retailer With 550 Stores, 3,300+ Employees Files For Bankruptcy, Plans to Shut Down
The growing alliance between Russia and China, particularly in sensitive regions like the Arctic, could have far-reaching implications for global security and international relations. Western nations need to reassess their Arctic strategies and strengthen cooperation to effectively counter this emerging challenge.