Russia and China conducted joint strategic air patrols over the Asia-Pacific region, prompting Japan to scramble Self-Defense Forces jets in response to the clear demonstration of force near its islands.Following these patrols, Japan and the US conducted their own joint military exercises with B-52 bombers and F-35/F-15 jets near Japan's western airspace, reaffirming their resolve against unilateral attempts to change the status quo.This recent escalation, which also included Chinese radar-locking incidents earlier this week and earlier statements from Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan, has deepened concerns from figures like William Lai and Mark Rutte, exacerbating regional tensions.