The U.S. military recently disclosed the first recorded instance 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.
While U.S. military officials stated that they were not surprised by the incident, military analysts believe it was an attempt by China to strengthen its strategic presence in the North Pacific and Arctic Circle. It also 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. Although these aircraft remained in international airspace and did not breach sovereign airspace, NORAD emphasized its commitment to monitor and respond to foreign military activities near North American shores.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin addressed the incident on July 25, reassuring the public of the nation’s preparedness and stating that the appearance of Russian and Chinese aircraft ”was not a surprise.” He highlighted that these forces are constantly monitored and intercepted due to excellent surveillance capabilities.
The Russian Ministry of Defense provided further context for this operation, stating that it included a joint patrol over various seas in international airspace without any violations occurring. The Chinese Ministry of Defense spokesperson also asserted during a press conference that this exercise was not targeted at any third party or influenced by global or regional conflicts.
However, Su Tzu-Yun, a military analyst from Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, offered a different perspective on these exercises near Alaska. Su believes they serve as deliberate acts of intimidation by China and Russia due to their proximity to Alaska’s critical region for U.S missile defense systems.
Su noted China’s pattern of forming alliances with various countries through recent exercises with Belarus in Europe, Laos in the Indian Ocean, as well as naval drills with Russia in the Pacific Ocean. He explained that these activities reveal China’s aim to challenge U.S dominance along key defense lines from Japan through Taiwan to South China Sea territories.
The increasing frequency and intensity of joint military exercises between China’s Communist Party (CCP) regime and countries like Russia have raised concerns among Western democracies—particularly from United States officials who view this alliance as a major security concern for global stability.
Liu Hsiao-Hsiang from Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense echoed similar sentiments regarding CCP’s use of “gray zone tactics” near Alaska—a strategy designed to intensify regional presence while signaling growing impatience towards American policies.
Liu emphasized how prior aerial patrols conducted by CCP targeted Japan but ultimately aimed at recalibrating power dynamics within Asia-Pacific regions—specifically concerning United States interests there.
As Chinese-Russian flights navigate through areas like Chukchi Sea off Alaska’s coast intersecting Arctic Circle regions increasingly seen as strategically crucial due to accelerated melting ice caps—China has positioned itself as an “important stakeholder” according to its 2018 “China’s Arctic Policy” white paper which pledges deep engagement in Arctic affairs.
Just days before this joint patrol within Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone took place—the US Department unveiled its “2024 Arctic Strategy,” emphasizing national defense roles aligning with treaty obligations while preserving secure stability within region.
Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks acknowledged challenges posed by both China’s ambitions & Russia’s assertiveness despite setbacks faced after Ukraine conflict—US strategy focuses on bolstering defense capabilities alongside allies cooperation conducting regular training exercises reinforcing regional defense mechanisms.
Hicks pointed out growing commercial & military collaborations between Beijing & Moscow underscoring necessity for US adaptation militarily amidst evolving dynamics.