What Is Behind the China-Russia Military Aircraft Exercises Near Alaska?

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

A H-6K long-range bomber of the Chinese air force, upper left, is seen escorted by a Su-30 fighter of the Russian air force during a joint Russia-China air patrol in a still from video released on July 25, 2024. Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP

News Analysis

The U.S. military recently revealed the first recorded instance of the Chinese military operating near the Alaskan maritime zone, during a joint air exercise with Russia, with the four aircraft intercepted by U.S. and Canadian fighter jets.