This photo provided by Japan’s Ministry of Defense shows Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15 fighters in a joint drill with U.S. B-52 bombers near Japanese airspace. Japan’s Ministry of Defense/AP
SEOUL, South Korea — The United States flew nuclear-capable B-52 bombers accompanied by Japanese fighter jets over the Sea of Japan in the first joint show of force by the allies since a sharp diplomatic feud began between Tokyo and Beijing last month.
Japan’s Joint Staff said the drills involved two U.S. B-52 strategic bombers and six Japanese fighters — a mix of F-35s and F-15s. “This bilateral exercise reaffirms the strong will between Japan and U.S. not to tolerate unilateral changes to the status quo by force,” the Joint Staff said, language Japan commonly uses in reference to Taiwan, a self-governed island claimed by China.
The flight followed Chinese-Russian joint bomber and fighter drills that prompted Japan and South Korea to scramble aircraft. South Korea lodged a diplomatic protest over that activity. Both Japan and China have also accused the other of locking weapons-targeting radars onto their planes during Chinese carrier drills in nearby waters.
Japan has reported increased Chinese naval activity around Okinawa prefecture, including islands close to Taiwan. Akira Saito, chief of staff of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force, told reporters that China’s naval operations are “unusually active” and expanding in area, and Japan suspects some drills are pressure tactics tied to the diplomatic spat.
The dispute began after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Nov. 7 that a Chinese naval blockade of Taiwan could justify mobilizing Japan’s military. China’s Foreign Ministry called its exercises routine and urged Japan not to make a fuss.
Washington has been focused on implementing a trade agreement reached between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in late October. Until this week, the Trump administration had not publicly criticized China over the Tokyo-Beijing dispute. In a statement to NPR, the State Department said, “China’s actions are not conducive to regional peace and stability,” and affirmed that “the U.S.-Japan Alliance is stronger and more united than ever” and that Washington remains committed to Japan.
Japan’s Defense Ministry said Defense Minister Junichiro Koizumi is scheduled to speak by phone with his U.S. counterpart Pete Hegseth.
NPR’s Jackie Northam contributed reporting.
