The East Asian political landscape is heating up! Japan’s decision to host US ‘Typhon’ missiles has ignited a firestorm of warnings from both Russia and China. Is this a strategic move for stability, or could it push regional tensions to a new boiling point? Get the full story.
A significant geopolitical ripple has emerged in East Asia as both Russia and China have issued strong condemnations regarding Japan’s decision to permit the temporary deployment of advanced US Typhon missiles on its soil. This move, intended for joint military exercises scheduled for next month, is being universally viewed by Moscow and Beijing as a direct threat to the delicate balance of regional stability, prompting calls for immediate reconsideration from Tokyo.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova voiced a particularly stern warning, asserting that the deployment of Typhon missiles in regions proximate to Russia poses an undeniable threat to its national security interests. Her comments, widely disseminated by the state-run TASS news agency, underscored Moscow’s deep concern over the escalating military presence and hinted at potential retaliatory actions. Zakharova explicitly stated that if Japan proceeds with the Typhon’s deployment without a policy rethink, Russia would be compelled to implement “appropriate military-technical measures.”
Echoing Russia’s sentiments, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun delivered a pointed message on Friday. Guo emphasized that both the United States and Japan bear a crucial responsibility to actively contribute to regional peace and stability, rather than undermining it through such provocative military deployments, even if described as temporary. This statement highlights Beijing’s consistent diplomatic stance against actions perceived as destabilizing in its immediate vicinity.
The deployment of the Typhon Mid-Range Capability missile system by the United States in Asian nations has consistently drawn strong opposition from China. Beijing views such military installations as a significant escalation of military capabilities in the region, potentially leading to increased tensions and a more complex security landscape that could impact maritime and territorial disputes.
Guo Jiakun further urged Japan to undertake a candid re-evaluation of its historical actions, particularly its past of aggression, and to steadfastly adhere to a path of peaceful development. He called upon Tokyo to exercise heightened prudence in its military and security policies, cautioning that any missteps could further erode the trust of its Asian neighbors and the broader international community, hindering collaborative efforts for stability.
Beyond its admonitions to Japan, China also directed a clear message towards Washington, pressing the United States to “draw lessons from history.” Beijing’s spokesperson urged the US to allocate its resources and efforts towards fostering regional goodwill and constructive engagement, rather than pursuing actions that are perceived to exacerbate existing geopolitical friction and complicate diplomatic resolutions.
This current contention follows an earlier, similar episode involving the Typhon missile system. China had previously issued a strong rebuke when these same missiles were initially deployed in the Philippines during a training exercise in 2024. Subsequently, Manila announced its intentions to acquire the land-based US missile system, signifying a deepening military cooperation that has been closely monitored by regional powers.
The Typhon missile system, a critical component of modern US military strategy, currently boasts a range of approximately 480 kilometers (300 miles), providing significant strike capabilities. Furthermore, a longer-range version of this formidable system is reportedly under active development, indicating a potential for even greater strategic implications in future deployments and military posturing.
As the “Resolute Dragon” exercises between US and Japanese forces draw closer, scheduled to run from September 11 to 25, there remains an element of uncertainty regarding the operational scope. It has not yet been clarified whether the newly deployed Typhon missiles will be actively fired as part of these joint drills, a decision that could further intensify the already heightened regional scrutiny and diplomatic discourse.
