The United States and Japan conducted joint military exercises over the Sea of Japan. This marked the first such joint military activity between the two allies since a dispute emerged between Japan and China last month.
The drills involved two U.S. B-52 strategic bombers and six Japanese F-35 and F-15 fighter jets, as confirmed by the Japanese Defense Ministry's Joint Staff.
Japan's Joint Staff stated that the exercise "reaffirms the strong will between Japan and U.S. not to tolerate unilateral changes to the status quo by force." This language is frequently used by Japan in reference to Taiwan, a self-governed island claimed by China.
Regional Military Activities
These U.S.-Japan drills followed joint exercises by Chinese and Russian strategic bombers and fighters on Tuesday. These earlier drills prompted Japan and South Korea to scramble aircraft for monitoring, and South Korea subsequently lodged a diplomatic protest.
Japan and China have also recently exchanged accusations regarding the alleged targeting of their respective aircraft with weapon radars during Chinese aircraft carrier drills conducted in waters near Japan.
Japanese Concerns Regarding Chinese Activity
Japan has observed an increase in Chinese military activity around its southwest Okinawa prefecture, which encompasses several islands geographically close to Taiwan. Akira Saito, chief of staff of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, noted an expansion in the regions where China's naval operations are conducted.
Japanese officials have expressed concerns that some of these drills may be associated with a month-long dispute between Beijing and Tokyo. This dispute began on November 7, when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that a Chinese naval blockade of Taiwan could potentially justify the mobilization of Japan's military.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that China's exercises were routine and in accordance with international law.
U.S. Stance and Diplomatic Engagements
The U.S. administration is currently focused on the implementation of a trade agreement between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was reached at the end of October.
The U.S. State Department commented this week, telling Reuters that "China's actions are not conducive to regional peace and stability" and reaffirming an "unwavering" commitment to its ally Japan. The State Department did not immediately respond to NPR's request for comment.
Japan's Defense Minister Junichiro Koizumi is scheduled for a phone discussion with his U.S. counterpart, Pete Hegseth, on Friday.