Escalation against China?
Washington is considering deploying medium-range missiles at its bases in Japan as part of a plan to defend against a Chinese military move south of the island nation, the Japanese newspaper "Sankei" reported this morning (Sunday).
The newspaper cited senior officials in the Japanese security system as well as the foreign service in Tokyo and claimed that the transfer of the weapons, intended for the United States military stationed in Japan, will include long-range hypersonic missiles as well as medium-range "Tomahawk" cruise missiles.
It was also reported that Washington and Tokyo are expected to start discussions on strengthening American forces in the near future.
According to the reports, it is claimed that the location of the placement of the weapons has not yet been determined, but both sides tend to place them on the southern island of Kyushu, relatively close to the point of friction with China in the islands south of Japan, where Beijing has built up a military presence in recent years.
In addition, the placement of the missiles could help the United States protect Taiwan, an independent and democratic territory, from threats of Chinese invasion.
The Chinese balloon that was recorded over the territory of the state of Montana in the USA, photo: AP
During the weekend, tensions between Washington and Beijing were revealed after a Chinese spy balloon was located and shot down over the territory of the United States.
The Pentagon intercepted the Chinese balloon that entered the country's airspace.
The balloon was intercepted after completing its journey across the North American continent and exiting the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Carolina.
Before the interception, the balloon caused high tensions between the US and China, especially when it became clear that the aircraft was intended to hover over security facilities. The Pentagon accused China of espionage and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken even canceled his visit to Beijing. China denied any malicious intent.
If that wasn't enough, another spy balloon was discovered over South America, a few hours after the reports of the first balloon appeared.
"We believe this is another Chinese spy balloon," Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said.
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