The South Korean Ministry of National Defense lodged a protest with the Russian and Chinese military attachés over aircraft from both countries flying in the air defense identification zone without notifying Seoul.
On June 27, the Russian Air Force and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force conducted a joint air patrol over the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea, and the western Pacific Ocean.
The patrol involved Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers and Chinese H-6K strategic bombers. The flight lasted six hours. The aircraft did not violate the airspace of any other countries.
South Korea Protests China and Russia Over Air Patrols
The South Korean Ministry of National Defense lodged a protest with the Russian and Chinese military attachés over aircraft from both countries flying in the air defense identification zone without notifying Seoul.
On June… pic.twitter.com/hQEciGpi3v
— China pulse 🇨🇳 (@Eng_china5) June 29, 2026
The Russian Ministry of National Defense confirmed that the aircraft from both countries operated strictly in accordance with international law.
The patrol was not intended to target any other country, the statement said.
It was noted that at various points along the route, the aircraft were escorted by fighter jets from foreign countries. In particular, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces scrambled fighter jets.
