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

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.

But while U.S. military officials said that the incident came as no surprise, military analysts say it was an attempt by China to  strengthen its strategic presence in the North Pacific and Arctic Circle and signals increasing 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. Though the aircraft remained in international airspace—never breaching the sovereign airspace of the United States or Canada—NORAD emphasized its commitment to vigilantly monitor and respond to foreign military activities near North American shores.

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