Published: 20:09, September 26, 2024
China warns Japan against 'bringing a wolf into the house'
By Xinhua
In this photo provided by South Korea Defense Ministry, US Navy's the guided missile destroyer USS Benfold (right) bottom, the Republic of Korea's Navy destroyer Yulgok Yi I and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's destroyer Atago (top left), sail during a joint missile defense drill among the ROK, the United States and Japan in the international waters of the east coast of Korean peninsular, on April 17, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

BEIJING — China's Ministry of National Defense on Thursday urged Japan not to align with US plans to deploy intermediate-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific region, citing regional security risks.

The warning was delivered by Zhang Xiaogang, the ministry spokesperson, during a regular press conference.

When asked about recent reports that the US army secretary had discussed the deployment of a multi-domain task force with Japan's defense minister, Zhang expressed serious concerns. Analysts have suggested that this may involve the installation of the "Typhon" intermediate-range missile system in Japan.

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Zhang cautioned that such a deployment would exacerbate the trend toward an arms race in the Asia-Pacific region, posing a severe threat to regional security and disrupting global strategic balance and stability.

Voicing China's firm opposition, Zhang said, "The Asia-Pacific needs peace and prosperity, not confrontation and conflict."

He urged the US to halt actions that heighten tensions and warned Japan not to "bring a wolf into the house" by accommodating US military plans. "Otherwise, Japan will be placing itself in a dangerous position," Zhang noted.

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The spokesperson said that China would respond firmly and resolvedly, based on how the situation develops, and in accordance with its own needs.