A paradox and a half

In an extraordinary turn of events that could further escalate tensions in Northeast Asia, on July 23, warplanes of four countries were involved in a face off above one of the most politically sensitive areas in the region. The encounter occurred above the disputed islets of Dokdo, which are controlled by South Korea, but claimed by Japan as Takeshima. Tokyo and Seoul confirm that two Russian Tu-95 bombers, one Russian A-50 and two Chinese H-6 bombers entered the Korea Air Defence Identification Zone (KAIDZ). In an Air Defence Identification Zone, aircrafts are required to identify themselves, but in recent years, most countries in Northeast Asia have accused each other of failing to follow this protocol. South Korea’s F15 & F16 fighter jets fired 360 warning shots at the Beriev A-50, after it breached the airspace, which is claimed by both Tokyo and Seoul. Japan confirmed it scrambled fighter jets in response to the Russian incursion. Russia denied reports of wa