US to expand missile defense in Asia
The United States is taking another step aimed at creating a global missile defense system. Earlier this week, Washington signaled readiness to deploy elements of the US missile shield in Asia and the Far East.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that the US plans to deploy its two early-warning radars on one of the eastern islands in Japan and in one of South-East Asian countries. Additionally, the US intends to increase its fleet of warships equipped with missile interceptors to 36 vessels by 2018, with most of them due to be on a mission in the Asia-Pacific region.
The US pointed to North Korea’s missile program as a reason to beef up its military potential. Moscow-based defense expert Alexander Perendzhiyev, however, believes that Washington first of all wants to contain China.
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