Russia reiterates concern over Japan’s plan to introduce Aegis Ashore

January 16, 2018

Moscow- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday reiterated his country's concern over the Japanese government's recent decision to introduce the Aegis Ashore land-based ballistic missile defense system from the United States.

Lavrov told a press conference that the Japanese decision overshadows relations between Japan and Russia, adding that his country understands that offensive weapons can also be used under the Aegis Ashore system.

He argued that the Aegis Ashore system to be deployed in Japan may be integrated into the United States' missile defense network in the future, noting the Russian government is highly doubtful that the United States will not get involved in system operations in the Asian ally.

Lavrov said the Russian government wants to get more information on the missile defense system through talks between Japanese and Russian security authorities.

Russia has warned Japan that its introduction of the Aegis Ashore system will have adverse implications for the two countries' negotiations to resolve their territorial dispute over four Russian-held islands, called the Northern Territories in Japan, and conclude a peace treaty that formally ends their World War II hostilities.

During the news conference, Lavrov also said Russia is ready to help the United States and North Korea hold direct dialogue, in a bid to deescalate tensions over North Korea's nuclear and missile development.

The Russian foreign chief said he expects nothing productive from a meeting on the North Korean nuclear issue among foreign ministers from concerned countries in Vancouver on Tuesday, as Russia and China were not invited to the meeting. Jiji Press