Is China seeking a submarine presence in the Sea of Japan?

Body of water could offer Chinese ballistic missile subs a place to hide

This Chinese H-6 bomber was spotted flying over the Sea of Japan in December in this image provided by Japan's defense officials. (Japan's Ministry of Defense via Kyodo)

TETSURO KOSAKA, Nikkei senior staff writer

February 9, 2024 05:22 JST

TOKYO -- A new security risk may face Japan: China maintaining a constant military presence in the Sea of Japan, a possible launching point for nuclear weapons aimed at the U.S.

Last December, two Chinese H-6 bombers entered the airspace above the Sea of Japan to rendezvous with a pair of Russian Tu-95 bombers. Accompanied by fighter jets, patrol planes and other aircraft from both countries, they flew from the Sea of Japan to the East China Sea.