U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton says Washington's willingness to deploy intermediate-range missiles in Asia has to do with protecting its allies in South Korea and Japan,... saying any such deployment would be purely defensive.
Bolton's comments on Tuesday came in response to China's protests against U.S. plans to consider deploying conventional, intermediate-range missiles throughout Asia.
Beijing threatened Washington with countermeasures if the U.S. deploys missiles on China's doorstep.
The Trump administration has accused China of aggressive behavior and the recent exchange of heated rhetoric over U.S. missile deployment in Asia has raised concerns about a regional arms race.
