On Thursday, China and Russia executed their eighth joint aerial strategic patrol, marking a significant milestone as bombers from both nations flew over the Bering Sea for the first time. This event not only signifies the farthest reach of Chinese bombers in a strategic patrol but also underscores the deepening military cooperation between the two countries.
According to an annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian militaries, the two sides organized this joint aerial strategic patrol over the Bering Sea, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of National Defense, confirmed at a regular press conference on Thursday. This collaboration reflects the growing strategic mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation between the two countries.
“This is the eighth joint aerial strategic patrol between the two militaries since 2019, which further tested and enhanced the two air forces’ interoperability,” Zhang said. He emphasized that the operation adheres to international law and practices and does not target any third party, nor is it related to current international and regional situations.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected two Russian Tu-95 and two Chinese H-6 bombers operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone on Wednesday. While these aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter US or Canadian sovereign airspace, their presence underscores the expanding reach of Chinese military capabilities.
“This is the first time a China-Russia joint aerial strategic patrol has featured a patrol over the Bering Sea. Previous patrols have covered regions including the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea, and the West Pacific,” Zhang added.
Zhang Xuefeng, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times that the latest joint aerial strategic patrol marked the farthest reach of Chinese bombers. He noted significant capability enhancements in China’s H-6 bombers, which now carry long-range missiles capable of striking land and maritime targets from a safe distance.
“In a joint aerial strategic patrol in November 2022, Chinese aircraft landed in Russia, and Russian aircraft landed in China,” Zhang Xuefeng said, highlighting the interoperability between the two air forces. He assessed that the latest mission likely saw Chinese bombers taking off from Russian territory, closer to the North Pacific waters, indicating advanced levels of command, coordination, communications, and logistics support between the two forces.
Before the bombers’ patrol, Chinese warships cruised in the North Pacific, according to official releases from both Chinese and US sources. The US Coast Guard reported encountering four Chinese military ships in international waters in the Bering Sea, north of the Amchitka Pass in the Aleutian Islands, on July 12.
In response, Zhang Xiaogang reiterated that the Chinese warships were conducting regular training activities aimed at boosting and testing combat capabilities, without targeting any country. Another Chinese military expert emphasized that these operations conformed to international law and practices, as the warships did not enter US sovereign airspace or territorial waters.
“If the US feels uncomfortable seeing a Chinese military presence on its doorstep, it should get used to it, or reflect on its own military presence on China’s doorstep, which poses much greater security concerns to China,” the expert remarked.
The China-Russia joint aerial strategic patrol closely followed a joint naval patrol that stretched from northern Pacific waters to the South China Sea and a joint naval exercise off China’s southern coast earlier this month. Experts highlight the growing military cooperation between China and Russia and its contribution to global strategic balance.
The recent joint patrols and exercises reflect a strengthening China-Russia military alliance. This partnership aims to enhance strategic deterrence and stability in the face of shifting global power dynamics. However, it also raises concerns among Western nations, particularly the United States, about the implications for regional and global security.
The China-Russia military partnership has evolved significantly over the past few years. Joint exercises and patrols have become more frequent and sophisticated, reflecting a high level of strategic alignment. This alliance is not merely a tactical cooperation but a strategic partnership aimed at counterbalancing US influence in key regions.
The China-Russia joint aerial patrols began in 2019, with each successive operation building on the previous ones. These patrols are designed to test and enhance the interoperability of the two air forces, ensuring that they can operate seamlessly together in various scenarios. The inclusion of the Bering Sea in the latest patrol marks a significant geographical expansion of these operations.
The strategic rationale behind these patrols is multifaceted. On one hand, they serve as a show of strength and unity between China and Russia, sending a clear message to other global powers. On the other hand, they provide valuable operational experience and data, allowing both militaries to refine their strategies and tactics.
The technical capabilities of the aircraft involved in these patrols have also seen significant enhancements. China’s H-6 bombers, for instance, have been upgraded to carry long-range missiles, expanding their strike capabilities. This enables them to hit targets from a distance, reducing the risk of interception and increasing their strategic value.
Similarly, Russia’s Tu-95 bombers are known for their long-range capabilities and have been a mainstay of Russian strategic air operations. The combination of these advanced platforms from both countries creates a formidable force capable of projecting power across vast distances.
The joint patrols have elicited varied reactions from the international community. While China and Russia emphasize that these operations are not targeted at any third party and adhere to international laws, their growing military cooperation is viewed with concern by many Western nations.
The United States has closely monitored these developments, with NORAD’s detection of the bombers being a case in point. While the bombers did not enter US or Canadian sovereign airspace, their presence in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone highlights the increasing reach of China-Russia military operations.
US military officials have expressed concerns about the implications of this growing partnership. The Pentagon’s 2024 Arctic Strategy, which highlights China-Russia cooperation in the Arctic, reflects a broader strategic concern about the shifting balance of power in key regions.
European nations have also been keeping a close eye on the China-Russia military partnership. The European Union has strategic interests in both the Arctic and the Asia-Pacific regions, and the increasing military activities of China and Russia in these areas could impact European security calculations.
In Asia, countries like Japan and South Korea are particularly sensitive to the military maneuvers of China and Russia. The presence of Chinese and Russian bombers in proximity to their territories raises security concerns and could prompt a recalibration of their defense strategies.
The future trajectory of China-Russia military cooperation will be closely watched by the international community. As both nations continue to enhance their strategic capabilities and deepen their military ties, the implications for global security and stability will become increasingly significant.
Future joint patrols and exercises could expand into other strategically important regions, such as the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This would not only demonstrate the global reach of China-Russia military cooperation but also challenge the traditional dominance of Western powers in these regions.
The strategic balancing act between China-Russia and the United States and its allies will likely intensify. As China and Russia enhance their capabilities and operational reach, the United States and its allies will need to adapt their strategies to address this evolving challenge.
The eighth China-Russia joint aerial strategic patrol over the Bering Sea marks a significant milestone in the growing military cooperation between the two countries. As they continue to enhance their strategic capabilities and deepen their military ties, the implications for global security and stability will become increasingly significant. This landmark patrol not only underscores the farthest reach of Chinese bombers but also reflects the evolving dynamics of global power and the strategic balance.
