Additional Coverage:
- Russia says it’s thinking of putting missiles in Asia if the US keeps deploying the weapons systems that anger China (newsbreak.com)
Russia Considers Missile Deployment in Asia
Russia is considering deploying missiles in Asia in response to reports that the US may do the same. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the move is a potential option, suggesting that Russia may join the ongoing tensions between the US and China in the region.
US Missile Deployment in the Region
Reports indicate that the US and Japan are planning to station US missiles in the Philippines and Nansei Islands near Taiwan. The move would allow the US to establish a missile presence close to the self-governed island.
Russia’s Response
Ryabkov’s statement signals Russia’s willingness to step into the region and potentially counter US missile deployments. He warned that Russia would take “military-technical response” if the US deploys its systems in the Asia-Pacific.
Collapse of Nuclear Treaty
These developments are unfolding in the wake of the collapse of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The treaty banned ground-launched missiles with ranges between 500 to 5,500 kilometers.
US-China Tensions
The potential missile deployments by Russia and the US add to the tensions between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan and other issues. China has already expressed anger over the US Typhon system stationed in the Philippines.