South Korea scrambles jets as Chinese and Russian warplanes come close

Six Russian and two Chinese warplanes reportedly entered South Korea’s air defence zone without warning on Wednesday, prompting the military there to scramble fighter jets.

Early on Wednesday, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in Seoul reported that Chinese H-6 bombers frequently entered and left the Korea Air Defence Identification Zone (KADIZ) close to South Korea’s southern and northeastern shores.

They later returned to the area from the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, accompanied by four TU-95 bombers and two Su-35 fighter fighters, it added.

Eventually, all of the aeroplanes departed the area and did not trespass into South Korea’s airspace, Seoul claimed.

A government may attempt to control aircraft in an area that is wider than its airspace for security reasons; however, no international treaty specifically defines an ADIZ.

“Our military deployed air force fighter jets even before Chinese and Russian aircraft entered the KADIZ to take tactical measures in case of contingency,” the JCS said in a statement.

According to unidentified “observers,” Beijing and Moscow looked to have “engaged in a combined air drill,” according to Seoul’s Yonhap news agency.

The event occurs as Washington urges China, Pyongyang’s key ally, to use its clout to restrain North Korea, which has launched record-breaking missiles this year.

According to unidentified “observers,” Beijing and Moscow looked to have “engaged in a combined air exercise,” according to Seoul’s Yonhap news agency.

The event occurs as Washington urges China, Pyongyang’s key ally, to use its clout to restrain North Korea, which has launched a record-breaking barrage of missiles this year.

Kim Jong Un recently received a message from Chinese President Xi Jinping expressing his willingness to cooperate with the North Korean leader for “world peace”.

In one of its most potent tests to date, Pyongyang launched an intercontinental ballistic missile earlier this month, warning it will respond to perceived nuclear threats from the US with its own nuclear weapons.

Washington has charged Beijing and Moscow with shielding Pyongyang from additional sanctions.

In response to North Korea’s earlier missile launches, the two nations in May vetoed a US-led effort to impose stricter sanctions on the country.