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China firmly against US deploying missiles in Asia-Pacific — diplomat

Mao Ning called on Washington to "sincerely respect the interests of other countries in the security sphere and stop undermining peace and stability" in the Asia-Pacific

BEIJING, April 8. /TASS/. China opposes the deployment of intermediate-range missiles by the United States in the Asia-Pacific, calling on Washington to respect others’ security interests, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing.

"China has always resolutely opposed the US’ deployment of intermediate-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific or their enhanced deployment near the Chinese border so as to gain a unilateral military advantage," the Chinese diplomat emphasized.

Mao called on Washington to "sincerely respect the interests of other countries in the security sphere and stop undermining peace and stability" in the Asia-Pacific.

Earlier, Charles Flynn, commanding general of the United States Army Pacific, announced plans to deploy intermediate-range missiles to the Asia-Pacific for Chinese deterrence. The US was previously prevented from placing nuclear and conventional ground-launched ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and missile launchers with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers under the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, but the United States suspended compliance with the INF in 2019.

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