U.S., Japan fly B-52s amid China tensions
The U.S. flew two B-52 strategic bombers with six Japanese F-35 and F-15 fighters over the Sea of Japan in a joint drill this week, the first allied show of force since a feud erupted last month between Tokyo and Beijing over Taiwan-related remarks. The move follows a China–Russia bomber patrol that triggered Japanese and South Korean scrambles, as the U.S. State Department said its commitment to Japan is unwavering and Japan’s defense minister plans a Friday call with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
📌 Key Facts
- Japan’s Joint Staff said the drill involved 2 U.S. B-52s and 6 JASDF fighters over the Sea of Japan.
- Japan and South Korea scrambled jets after a China–Russia bomber flight Tuesday; Seoul lodged a diplomatic protest.
- Japan reports unusually active Chinese naval operations near Okinawa and recent radar lock-on accusations with China.
- The State Department told Reuters China’s actions are not conducive to stability and reaffirmed an unwavering U.S. commitment to Japan.
- Japan Defense Minister Junichiro Koizumi is scheduled to speak with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday.
📊 Relevant Data
Taiwan's global market share in wafer foundry is projected to rise to 78.6% in 2025.
Overview on Taiwan Semiconductor Industry (2025 Edition) — TSIA
Since May 2024, China has conducted an average of 321 military aircraft incursions per month into Taiwan's air defense identification zone.
China's official defense budget for 2025 is 1.78 trillion yuan, approximately $246 billion, the second largest in the world behind the United States' $850 billion.
Okinawa, comprising only 0.6% of Japan's landmass, hosts 70.3% of the US military facilities in Japan.
A blockade of the Taiwan Strait by China would negatively impact its own trade flow, with approximately $1.4 trillion worth of Chinese imports and exports passing through the strait annually.
China-Taiwan Relations: Potential Risk Scenarios — Everstream.ai