US Missiles have been stationed on Russian and Chinese borders and neighbors aligning with an adversary, a move that could make the two countries feel boxed.
But the two countries seem to be working out the matter together as they counter US global hegemony.
Through a joint statement, Russia and China expressed frustration over the US and South Korea intentions of deploying a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system.
The state run Xinhua news, said that both countries will take countermeasures. However, the content of the countermeasures was not laid bare.
“We think the US-South Korean decision to deploy the THAAD missile defense system has seriously threatened China’s security interest,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang. He added that the plans will greatly impact strategic balance in the region. He said that it is thus reasonable for neighboring countries raise concerns and firmly oppose the decision.
“China and other countries have to address our own legitimate security concerns and take necessary measures to safeguard our security interest,” said the spokesman.
Security Chiefs meet
This announcement has been made just as South Korea’s National Security Office Chief, Kim Kwan-jin, met with incoming US National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. The two chief’s meeting concluded that their THAAD deployment plans will forge on as expected.
With North Korea ever issuing threats, the system is expected to be used in taking down potentially any nuclear attack.
However, Russia and China claim that the system may do more than just take down a North Korean nuclear attack. They are quite uncomfortable with them being so close to their borders.
Their belief is that THAAD can be utilized in tracking Chinese and Russian missiles. Considering the stationing in South Korea, the two fear they are being geopolitically contained.
China National Association of International Studies director, Victor Gao, said that Russia and China taking a common position on the matter is normal, reports CNN Regions.
Professor John Delury from Yonsei University says that Chinese position on the THAAD system may be problematic to tackling the North Korea threat. The country views the United State’s THAAD as a way of containing them.
Via CNN Regions
The Trump Factor
Donald Trump throughout his campaign period has insisted that he needs to improve how the US relates with Russia. But with the position his purported ally is taking on several US policies, that is likely to be something not coming any time soon.
Trump thinks China is supposed to be contained and that Russia could be a stabilizing partner.
But his nominated cabinet secretaries don’t seem to be in support of the president-elect. Their testimony at Capitol Hill is a complete opposite of what he promised in his campaign promises.
Yvonne Chiu of Hong Kong University says that “It’s a good time for China and Russia to make this statement — the US is in transition and everyone is really unsure on what the stance of the Trump administration.”
It should be remembered that the United States adjusted its missile policy last year – a move made after 17 years.
The policy now insists on robust defenses as opposed to defenses against a limited number of threats.
This is likely a move that most American policy hawks welcome as they seek protection from the unstable North Korea. Similarly, NATO feel Russia’s recent aggressive military upgrades could be a huge threat to them. Also in picture is China’s aggressive measure when it comes to territorial disputes.