China rejects deployment of U.S. missile system in Japan

Tokyo (ANTARA) — China has expressed strong opposition to the deployment of United States mid-range missile systems in Japan, saying the move threatens regional security and raises the risk of military confrontation and an arms race. ‘The move undermines peace and stability in the region in all respects,’ said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun at a press briefing on Friday. Guo’s remarks were made when asked for comment on reports that the U.S. military planned to deploy Typhon mid-range missile launchers in southwestern Japan for joint exercises from June to September. In Tokyo, Japan’s Ministry of Defence stated that the Typhon system and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) would be stationed at Kanoya Air Base of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force in Kagoshima Prefecture during the Japan-US joint drills, as a step apparently intended to counter China. The Typhon launcher is capable of firing Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of about 1,600 kilometres, as well as SM-6 interceptor missiles with a range of more than 300 kilometres. Meanwhile, HIMARS can carry up to six rockets or one Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) with a range of around 300 kilometres. The ministry noted that after the joint drills were completed, the Typhon and HIMARS systems would be moved to U.S. military bases in Japan.