While we are distracted: Russia, China to Act Against U.S. Defenses in Asia
Russia and China plan to take retaliatory measures against the deployment of U.S. missile defense systems in Japan and South Korea, Moscow’s ambassador to Beijing warned on Monday.
Speaking to reporters, Ambassador Andrei Denisov said such actions by the neighboring Asian countries pose a security threat to Russia and its regional ally China. He suggested that the decisions from Japan and South Korea would require a response from Moscow and Beijing.
"Those who house such facilities on their territory, which our Chinese partners and we think pose a threat to our security, essentially put their security in jeopardy, as we have to take some retaliatory measures,” Denisov said, Russian news agency Tass reported. “And this is absolutely obvious.”
South Korea announced in mid-2016 that it supported the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, a U.S. missile defense program. The decision came during the constant threat of a nuclear attack from North Korea. However, in recent months, Seoul and Pyongyang have significant improved relations, signaling that a lasting peace agreement could be possible. At the same time, skeptics suggest North Korea’s Kim Jong Un is merely pandering to ease international sanctions so his country can continue to improve its nuclear capabilities.
Japan agreed in December 2017 to expand its missile defense system with the help of the U.S. The country plans to purchase and deploy two Aegis Ashore missile defense systems, each costing about $900 million. They will be positioned in the north and southwest of the country’s principal island.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russia-china-to-act-against-us-defenses-in-asia/ar-BBKZHCi?li=BBnb7Kz
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