Possible missile deployment raising concerns in Asia-Pacific, Beijing says

The United States' intention to deploy new missiles in the Asia-Pacific region has raised concerns, and China will take countermeasures if necessary, the Foreign Ministry and experts said.

Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry, said China will not "sit idly by" and watch its interests being compromised if the US deploys intermediate-range missiles in the region.

She said China "will not allow any country to stir up trouble on our doorstep" and "will take all necessary measures to safeguard national security interests" in a statement published on the ministry's website late on Monday.