The United States has deployed nuclear-capable B-52 bombers alongside Japanese fighter jets over the Sea of Japan, marking the first military exercise between the two allies since a recent escalation in tensions between Japan and China. This operation involved two U.S. B-52 strategic bombers and six Japanese F-35 and F-15 fighter jets, as reported by Japan's Ministry of Defense.

The Japanese Joint Staff stated that the exercise underscores the commitment of both nations to oppose any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force, a reference often associated with Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory. This military display follows joint maneuvers by Chinese and Russian strategic bombers that prompted Japan and South Korea to scramble their aircraft for monitoring purposes.

In recent weeks, Japan and China have exchanged accusations regarding the locking of weapon targeting radars onto each other's aircraft during Chinese naval drills near Japan. Japan has expressed concerns over increased Chinese military activity in the vicinity of Okinawa, an area that includes islands close to Taiwan. Akira Saito, chief of staff of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, noted the heightened activity of China's navy and its expansion into new operational regions.

The tensions escalated after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that a Chinese naval blockade of Taiwan could warrant a military response from Japan. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun characterized China's military exercises as routine and compliant with international law, advising Japan not to overreact.

The U.S. government has recently shifted its stance, with the State Department stating that China's actions are detrimental to regional peace and stability, reaffirming its commitment to Japan. Japan's Defense Minister Junichiro Koizumi is scheduled to discuss these developments with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in a forthcoming phone call.