China warns of countermeasures if US puts missiles on its 'doorstep'
(VOVWORLD) - China threatened countermeasures on Tuesday if the United States deploys intermediate-range, ground-based missiles in Asia and warned US allies of repercussions if they allow such weapons on their territory.
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday he was in favour of placing ground-launched, intermediate-range missiles in the region soon, possibly within months. Fu Cong, director general of the arms control department at China’s foreign ministry, said Beijing “will not stand idly by” and watch the United States base missiles in Asia. “If the U.S. deploys missiles in this part of the world, at the doorstep of China, China will be forced to take countermeasures,” Fu told reporters. Fu urged Japan, South Korea, and Australia to exercise prudence and not to allow the U.S. deployment of intermediate-range missiles on their territory.