Deployment of Typhon missile draws opposition

Beijing has urged Washington and Tokyo to respect other countries' security concerns and correct their wrongdoings by withdrawing the Typhon Mid-Range Capability missile system deployed by the United States in Japan.

"The US and Japan, disregarding China's grave concerns, have insisted on deploying the Typhon MRC missile system in Japan under the pretext of joint exercises. China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes it," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said in Beijing on Tuesday.

On Monday, the US Army showcased the system in Japan for the first time, following the commencement of military exercises between the two countries last week, which will last two weeks.

The weapon is capable of firing the Standard Missile-6 and the Tomahawk cruise missiles with ranges exceeding 240 kilometers and 2,500 km, respectively, according to media reports.

Beijing has expressed its grave concerns and firm opposition since Washington revealed the plan last month.

It was not the first time the US had deployed Typhon in Asian countries. In April last year, the US deployed this missile system in the Philippines, using a joint exercise as an excuse. However, the two sides later agreed to keep it in the country after the military drills ended in September.

"The deployment of Typhon in Asian countries undermines the legitimate security interests of other countries, increases the risk of both an arms race and military conflicts in the region and poses a substantive threat to regional strategic security," Lin said.

He urged the US and Japan to respect the security concerns of other countries and contribute to regional peace and stability through concrete actions. The spokesman noted that owing to its history of militarist aggression, Japan's military and security moves have been closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community.

"We urge Japan to take a hard look at its history of aggression, follow the path of peaceful development, and act prudently in military and security areas," Lin said.