Japan's security was put on high alert as it scrambled fighter jets to intercept two Russian IL-38 information-gathering aircraft near its maritime border in the Sea of Japan. This incident occurred amidst a joint naval exercise between Russia and China in the East China Sea.

The Russian Defence Ministry announced that Russian and Chinese naval ships have been conducting joint patrols and military exercises in the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea. These exercises included replenishing ships with water and fuel supplies and conducting anti-submarine exercises.

The two nations also practiced repelling a simulated enemy air raid, conducting rescue training at sea, and performing helicopter takeoffs and landings on warships. Just a day before Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's scheduled summit with counterparts from South Korea and the United States to address escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, Japanese defense forces spotted Russian and Chinese naval ships near the southern Japanese islands of Okinawa and Miyako.

Six Chinese ships, including missile destroyers, and five Russian vessels, some of which were destroyers, passed between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island before proceeding towards the East China Sea. It should be noted that these ships did not violate Japan's territorial waters.

This recent military activity has strained Japan's relationship with Russia, which has deteriorated since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine 18 months ago. Japan, aligning itself with its Western allies, has imposed sanctions on Russia and provided significant humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

On the contrary, China has strengthened its political and economic ties with Russia while maintaining a neutral stance in the conflict and advocating for peace. Japan remains concerned about Russia's military posturing in Asia and its cooperation with China.

Last May, Chinese and Russian military jets conducted joint flights near Japan following a meeting of the United States-led Quad grouping in Tokyo. Additionally, Moscow has recently carried out military exercises, including test-firing missiles, in the Sea of Japan.

The strained relations between Japan and Russia are complicated by the fact that the two countries have yet to sign a post-World War II peace treaty. Furthermore, Russia considers Japan to be a hostile country, along with European Union countries, the US, and its allies such as the United Kingdom and Australia.

The recent incidents highlight the escalating tensions in the region and the need for continued vigilance on the part of Japan and its allies.