Analyzing the China-Russia Military Aircraft Exercises Near Alaska

August 7, 2024 TruthUSA

The Chinese operating near the Alaskan maritime zone for the first recorded instance is part of Beijing’s ongoing ‘gray zone’ tactics, according to analysts.

News Analysis

The U.S. military recently disclosed the first documented case of the Chinese military operating near the Alaskan maritime zone. This occurred during a joint air exercise with Russia, where four aircraft were intercepted by U.S. and Canadian fighter jets.

Although U.S. military officials claimed the incident was not surprising, military analysts suggest that it was China’s attempt to enhance its strategic presence in the North Pacific and Arctic Circle. This also signifies a growing impatience with American policies.

On July 24, NORAD confirmed the detection, tracking, and interception of two Russian TU-95 bombers and two Chinese H-6 military aircraft within the U.S. Air Defense Identification Zone over Alaska. Despite remaining in international airspace and not breaching the sovereign airspace of the United States or Canada, NORAD reiterated its commitment to vigilantly monitor and respond to foreign military activities near North American shores.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, addressing the incident on July 25, reassured the public of the nation’s preparedness and mentioned that the appearance of the Russian and Chinese aircraft was not unexpected.

“We closely monitored these aircraft, tracked the aircraft, intercepted the aircraft, which demonstrates that forces are at the ready all the time and we have very good surveillance capabilities,” Austin said.