Japan detected Russian and Chinese navies operating near its territory in recent days, as the country conducted a war game with the United States featuring anti-ship weapons.

Newsweek has e-mailed both the Russian and Chinese foreign ministries for comment.

Why It Matters

Japan is part of the First and Second Island Chains —two north-south defensive lines across the Western Pacific—under America's containment strategy, aimed at projecting military power to deter and defend against potential aggression by U.S. adversaries.

Russia and China have deepened military ties under the so-called " partnership without limitations " through joint naval exercises and patrols near Japan. Both countries' navies often use international straits off Japan's coastline for deployments to the

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