US missile shield system in South Korea can spark arms race: Russia
Russia has warned the deployment of a missile shield system in South Korea by the US can launch “an arms race” in the region.
"The appearance of elements of the US global missile defense system in the region -- which is characterized by a very difficult security situation -- can provoke an arms race in Northeast Asia and complicate the resolution of the nuclear problem on the Korean peninsula," said a statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.
Last week, Washington and Seoul announced formal talks over the building of the US’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System (THAAD) in reaction to North Korea's recent missile and nuclear tests.
"On a more global scale, this step can increase the destructive influence of the US global missile defense system on international security and stability," further read the statement.
The Foreign Ministry reiterated that Pyongyang's actions "could not but inspire strong condemnation," but Washington is using such actions as a pretext to boost its military build-up in the region.
Washington maintains that the missile system is required to counter the North’s progressing ballistic missile program.
Apart from Moscow, Beijing is also adamant that the deployment of a THAAD system, which includes interceptor missiles, truck-mounted launchers, radar posts, and global communications links, would invoke instability in the region.
Last month, North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test, and on Sunday it successfully launched a long-range rocket reportedly aimed at placing an earth observation satellite into orbit. However, the US and South Korea denounced the move as a cover for an intercontinental ballistic missile test.
Pyongyang has been under UN sanctions over its nuclear tests and launching missiles considered by the US and South Korea as ballistic and aimed at delivering nuclear warheads.
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