An American bomber was dispatched for an exercise with Japanese fighter aircraft to strengthen their joint combat capabilities as the United States ally faces threats from China, which has warned Tokyo not to intervene if Beijing moves against Taiwan.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Why It Matters

Communist China has long claimed Taiwan—a self-ruled island—as its territory and has threatened to achieve reunification by force if necessary. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently argued that China's use of force would constitute an existential crisis for Japan , which could justify a response by its military , the Self-Defense Forces.

Takaichi's comments drew fierce criticism from China. A Chinese consul general in Osaka

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