China has warned that it will not stand idly by if the United States goes ahead with plans to deploy intermediate-range missiles after tearing up arms control treaty.
The country said it will react and “will be forced to take countermeasures” if the US deploys missiles but didn’t elaborate what would involve.
The news came after President Donald Trump tore up the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty signed under Ronald Reagan during the Cold War which stopped the US from deploying weapons.
The US president said he is keen to sign a new pact that includes both Russia and China. But fears have been growing of new arms race after Washington mentioned its intention to test a new weapon.
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that the US is free to deploy such weapons to the Asia-Pacific region.
Russia has said they will respond if the US starts developing new projectiles and has called for a moratorium.
The director of arms control at the Chinese foreign ministry, Fu Cong, said: “China will not stand idly by and will be forced to take countermeasures should the US deploy intermediate-range ground-based missiles in this part of the world.
“And we also call on our neighbours, our neighbouring countries, to exercise prudence and not to allow a US deployment of its intermediate-range missiles on (their) territory,” he continued, naming South Korea, Japan and Australia.
“That would not serve the national security interest of these countries.”
Fu also said that it was vital to recognize that the United States is proposing to install the weapons at their ‘doorstep.’
“Especially for a country that has experienced the Cuban missile crisis, I think the American people should understand China’s feelings,” Fu added.
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