China Vows "Resolute Counterattack" Against US Missile Deployment Rumors in Japan

An Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Minuteman III is being launched at the U.S. Air Force base in Vandenberg, California, USA, in February. (Photo by AFP Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] China’s Ministry of National Defense has strongly opposed reports of discussions about the deployment of U.S. intermediate-range ballistic missiles in Japan.

Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, said at a monthly briefing on the 24th (local time), in response to requests for comments on Japanese media reports that "the U.S. is discussing with Japan the deployment of intermediate-range ballistic missiles at U.S. military bases in Japan following its withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty."

Japan’s Mainichi Shimbun reported on the 20th that "not only is the U.S. planning to deploy (U.S. military missiles) in Japan, but also discussions are underway behind the scenes regarding the Self-Defense Forces’ possession of ground-launched intermediate-range missiles."

Spokesperson Wu emphasized, "China opposes the U.S. deployment of intermediate-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific region." He added, "If the U.S. insists on missile deployment, it would be a provocation right at China’s doorstep," and warned, "We will take all necessary measures to resolutely counterattack."

He also urged Japan and other related countries to "act prudently from the perspective of regional peace and stability," warning that "they should not allow the deployment of U.S. intermediate-range missiles on their own territory."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.