US 'Death Swan' Flies Near China's Air Defense Identification Zone

Huanqiu Shibao Raises Concerns Over 'B-1B Lancer' Close Flight
China Deploys Strategic Bomber 'H-6J' on Woody Island in South China Sea

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The US strategic bomber 'B-1B Lancer,' known as the 'Death Swan,' recently flew near the Taiwan Strait, according to China's state-run Global Times.

Global Times reported that on the 16th, one US B-1B bomber approached China's East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

The B-1B bomber took off from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and flew to the ADIZ before turning its nose northeast, the report said.

US strategic bomber B-1B Lancer (Source: US Air Force)

The B-1B bomber also received refueling from a US Air Force 'KC-135' aerial refueling aircraft, the report added.

It is unusual for a major US strategic bomber to fly close to China's ADIZ.

The B-1B Lancer is counted among the three major strategic bombers along with the 'B-52 Stratofortress' and the 'B-2 Spirit.'

The B-1B can carry up to 34 tons of various bombs and missiles internally, and up to 61 tons including external stores such as on its wings. Its top speed is Mach 1.2, faster than the B-52 (Mach 0.78) and B-2 (Mach 0.9).

Chinese New Generation Strategic Bomber H-6J (Source: Tencent)

Earlier, the Global Times reported that China's navy deployed its new strategic bomber 'H-6J' on Woody Island (Chinese name Yongxingdao) in the South China Sea.

This island is a small island belonging to the Paracel Islands (Chinese name Xisha Qundao) in the South China Sea. China occupied the island in 1956 and has made it a manned island by constructing a runway and other facilities to maintain effective control.

The Global Times attributed significance to the deployment of the H-6J, stating it enables deterrence against US aircraft carriers and others.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.