Russian and Chinese bombers have made a joint flight for the first time in international airspace near Alaska. It was a new demonstration of expanding military cooperation that seriously alarmed the Pentagon, the Associated Press writes.
"These relations (between Moscow and Beijing) cause constant concern in our country," US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin admitted in a conversation with reporters. He added that what Washington fears most is the "illegal and unnecessary support" that China is providing to Russia in the Ukrainian conflict.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) "detected, tracked and intercepted“ two Russian Tu-95s and two Chinese H-6s, Austin noted. The planes did not enter US airspace and only came within about 200 miles of the coast, but were still in the air defense zone.
The strengthening of ties between Moscow and Beijing in the military sphere worries not only Washington, but also its allies in Europe and Asia. In particular, Tokyo complained about the flights of the Russian-Chinese air fleet between Japan and the Korean Peninsula in December last year, the agency recalls.
While the Russian military has long been active in the North Pacific, China has emerged as a new player in the region in recent years. Its growing navy and air force are expanding their presence further and further from the country's shores, AP notes.
Air maneuvers off Alaska! Russian strategic bombers startled the Pentagon **** While the Russian military has long been
While the Russian military has long been active in the North Pacific, China has emerged as a new player in the region in recent years
Jul 26, 2024 17:18 371
