China protests Japan's introduction of US Typhon missile system

China recently sent a diplomatic note to Japan to reiterate its firm opposition to the deployment of a US Typhon mid-range missile system in the country, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Monday.

Speaking at a regular news briefing, Guo described the Typhon system as a strategic offensive weapon and said that Japan's introduction of the system offered further evidence that the country was accelerating its remilitarization.

He made the remarks after a Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Sept 18 that Russia had sent a diplomatic note to Japan stating that the deployment of the US Typhon mid-range missile system in Kyushu was unacceptable, urging Japan to fully acknowledge the outcomes of World War II and halt its remilitarization.

The move increases the risks of military confrontation and an arms race, threatens the strategic balance and regional stability, and undermines the legitimate security interests of neighboring countries, Guo said.

The international community is highly vigilant about the deployment, and people in a number of Asian countries have voiced opposition to it, Guo said.

China has repeatedly lodged strong protests with Japan through diplomatic channels and recently sent a diplomatic note to the Japanese side to reaffirm its solemn position, he added.

Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials, Guo urged Japan to deeply reflect on its history of aggression, heed the concerns of countries in the region, and stop pursuing remilitarization.