Sergei Ryabkov, one of Russia’s deputy foreign ministers, said on Monday that Moscow is considering deploying its short- to medium-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific.
Speaking to Russian state media, Ryabkov described the option as a potential response to reports that the US may deploy its own systems in the region.
“Of course, this is one of the options that has also been discussed many times,” Ryabkov said, according to the TASS state news agency.
He had been asked by a reporter if Russia might station its missiles in Asian countries, according to the agency.
“The appearance of corresponding American systems in any region of the world will predetermine our further steps, including in the sphere of organising our military-technical response,” he added.
Ryabkov’s remarks signal a potential for Russia to step into a region that’s primarily been a hotbed for tensions between Washington and Beijing.