Russia and China have separately warned Japan over its decision to allow the United States to deploy “Typhon” intermediate-range missiles during joint military exercises in Japan next month, calling the move a threat to regional stability.
The Typhon system is part of a drive by Washington to amass a variety of antiship weapons in Asia, and its deployment has sparked concerns about the potential for escalation in the region.
“We view this as another destabilising step as part of Washington’s course toward ramping up the potential of ground-based shorter and intermediate-range missiles,” Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Friday.
Deploying Typhon missiles “in regions near Russia poses a direct strategic threat to Russia”, Zakharova said in comments published by the country’s state-run TASS news agency.
Moscow has also taken note of Japan’s moves towards “accelerated militarisation” and cooperation with the US, the spokeswoman said. If Japan does not rethink its decision on the Typhon’s deployment, Russia “will have to take appropriate military-technical measures”, she said. “We will assume that the entire responsibility for the further degradation of the situation in the region rests on the Japanese side,” she added.
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday that the US and Japan should contribute to regional peace and stability and not undermine it with the deployment of medium-range missiles, even if only temporarily.
“China always opposes the United States deploying the Typhon Mid-Range Capability missile system in Asian countries,” Guo said, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency.
“We urge Japan to take a hard look at its history of aggression, follow the path of peaceful development, act prudently in military and security areas, and refrain from further losing the trust of its Asian neighbours and the international community,” he said.
Guo said China also called on Washington to “draw lessons from history and devote more effort and resources to doing the right thing rather than the other way around”.
The Typhon system has a range of some 480km (300 miles), though a longer-range version is currently being developed.
A spokesperson for Japan’s Ground Self-Defence Force told newsmen the Typhon would be deployed to the US Marine Air Station in Iwakuni city, on Honshu island, some 890km (553 miles) west of Tokyo.
It was unclear if Typhon missiles would be fired as part of the “Resolute Dragon” exercises between US and Japanese forces that run from September 11 to 25.
The deployment of the Typhon missiles is seen as a significant development in the region, with potential implications for the balance of power in Asia.
The move is likely to be closely watched by experts and policymakers around the world, who will be monitoring the situation for any signs of escalation or tension.
In recent years, China has been expanding its military capabilities, including its naval presence in the region. According to experts, China’s aircraft carriers in the Pacific signal its ability to “contest” US power. The joint military drills between China and Russia in the Sea of Japan are also seen as a demonstration of their growing military cooperation.
The US and Japan have been strengthening their military ties in recent years, with Australia also joining in on the partnership.
Australia has signed a deal with Japan to buy advanced warships, which will upgrade its navy with 11 Mogami-class frigates built by Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The deal is seen as a significant step in enhancing the military capabilities of the US and its allies in the region.
The situation in Asia is complex, with multiple players vying for influence and power. The deployment of the Typhon missiles is just one development in the ongoing dynamics of the region, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.
One thing is certain, however: the region will continue to be a key area of focus for experts and policymakers around the world.