Chinese bombers in Alaska

On July 24, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracked and intercepted two Russian Tu-95 and two Chinese H-6 bombers operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone. Both nations confirmed that the aircraft were conducting a joint strategic aerial patrol over the Bering Sea as part of their military cooperation, which has been ongoing since 2019. The activity, described as routine by NORAD, did not pose a threat, as the bombers remained in international airspace and did not enter U.S. or Canadian territory. NORAD emphasized its commitment to monitoring such military exercises to ensure North America's airspace security. A spokesperson for China stated that the maneuvers were in accordance with international laws and practices, assuring that they were not aimed at any third parties. This incident follows similar exercises conducted in May, which were also deemed non-threatening.