MOSCOW, January 18. /TASS/. Japan will not be able to avoid the US control over the missile defense systems once it buys these systems, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Monday.
"Our Japanese colleagues assure us that they will merely buy the systems, but will control them themselves, that the Americans will have nothing to do with the control over these systems. With all due respect for our Japanese colleagues, that would be impossible. It would be impossible to avoid American control," Lavrov said.
He pointed out that the US plans to deploy missile defense systems and intermediate-range missiles in Japan and South Korea threaten the security of Russian and Chinese borders.
"We handed over a list of our specific security concerns to Tokyo that directly involve perspectives, and options of some further, you know, constructive talks on peace treaty. We have not received a response so far, but the construction of the US missile defense system, as well as the possible deployment of ground-based US intermediate-range missiles in Japan are among those concerns," the foreign minister said.
Previously, Japan voiced its intent to buy two Aegis Ashore missile defense systems, but later decided against it, citing inability to ensure that counter-missile’s boosters will fall within a designated area, deciding to build two Aegis-equipped ships instead.