09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S.

Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

World Business Legal Markets More Register

July 20, 2021 Asia Pacific

1:34 PM CEST
Last Updated 4 months ago
Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian
countries stockpile powerful new missiles
5 minute read By Josh Smith

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 1/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

1/2 Military vehicles carrying DF-26 ballistic missiles travel past Tiananmen Gate during a military parade to
commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in Beijing Thursday Sept. 3, 2015.
REUTERS/Andy Wong/Pool

SEOUL, July 20 (Reuters) - Asia is sliding into a dangerous arms race as smaller nations that

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 2/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

once stayed on the sidelines build arsenals of advanced long-range missiles, following in the
footsteps of powerhouses China and the United States, analysts say.

China is mass producing its DF-26 - a multipurpose weapon with a range of up to 4,000
kilometres - while the United States is developing new weapons aimed at countering Beijing in
the Pacific.

Other countries in the region are buying or developing their own new missiles, driven by security
concerns over China and a desire to reduce their reliance on the United States.

Before the decade is out, Asia will be bristling with conventional missiles that fly farther and
faster, hit harder, and are more sophisticated than ever before - a stark and dangerous change
from recent years, analysts, diplomats, and military officials say.

"The missile landscape is changing in Asia, and it’s changing fast," said David Santoro,
president of the Pacific Forum.

Such weapons are increasingly affordable and accurate, and as some countries acquire them,
their neighbours don't want to be left behind, analysts said. Missiles provide strategic benefits
such as deterring enemies and boosting leverage with allies, and can be a lucrative export.

The long-term implications are uncertain, and there is a slim chance that the new weapons
could balance tensions and help maintain peace, Santoro said.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 3/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

"More likely is that missile proliferation will fuel suspicions, trigger arms races, increase
tensions, and ultimately cause crises and even wars," he said.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 4/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

HOMEGROWN MISSILES

According to unreleased 2021 military briefing documents reviewed by Reuters, U.S. Indo-Pacific
Command (INDOPACOM) plans to deploy its new long-range weapons in “highly survivable,
precision-strike networks along the First Island Chain,” which includes Japan, Taiwan, and other
Pacific islands ringing the east coasts of China and Russia.

The new weapons include the Long-range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), a missile that can
deliver a highly manoeuvrable warhead at more than five times the speed of sound to targets
more than 2,775 kilometres (1,724 miles) away.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 5/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

An INDOPACOM spokesman told Reuters that no decisions had been made as to where to
deploy these weapons. So far, most American allies in the region have been hesitant to commit
to hosting them. If based in Guam, a U.S. territory, the LRHW would be unable to hit mainland
China.

Japan, home to more than 54,000 U.S. troops, could host some of the new missile batteries on
its Okinawan islands, but the United States would probably have to withdraw other forces, a
source familiar with Japanese government thinking said, speaking anonymously because of the
sensitivity of the issue.

Allowing in American missiles - which the U.S. military will control - will also most likely bring
an angry response from China, analysts said.

Some of America's allies are developing their own arsenals. Australia recently announced it
would spend $100 billion over 20 years developing advanced missiles.

"COVID and China have shown that depending on such extended global supply chains in times
of crisis for key items – and in war, that includes advanced missiles – is a mistake, so it is
sensible strategic thinking to have production capacity in Australia," said Michael Shoebridge of
the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

Japan has spent millions on long range air-launched weapons, and is developing a new version
of a truck-mounted anti-ship missile, the Type 12, with an expected range of 1,000 kilometres.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 6/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

Among U.S. allies, South Korea fields the most robust domestic ballistic missile programme,
which got a boost from a recent agreement with Washington to drop bilateral limits on its
capabilities. Its Hyunmoo-4 has an 800-kilometre range, giving it a reach well inside China.

"When the U.S. allies' conventional long-range-strike capabilities grow, the chances of their
employment in the event of a regional conflict also increase," Zhao Tong, a strategic security
expert in Beijing, wrote in a recent report.

Despite the concerns, Washington "will continue to encourage its allies and partners to invest in
defence capabilities that are compatible with coordinated operations," U.S. Representative Mike
Rogers, ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, told Reuters.

BLURRED LINES

Taiwan has not publicly announced a ballistic missile programme, but in December the U.S.
State Department approved its request to buy dozens of American short-range ballistic missiles.
Officials say Taipei is mass producing weapons and developing cruise missiles such as the Yun
Feng, which could strike as far as Beijing.

All this is aimed at "making the spines of (Taiwan's) porcupine longer as the abilities of China's
military improve", Wang Ting-yu, a senior lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Progressive
Party, told Reuters, while insisting that the island's missiles were not meant to strike deep in
China.

One diplomatic source in Taipei said Taiwan's armed forces, traditionally focused on defending
the island and warding off a Chinese invasion, are beginning to look more offensive.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 7/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

"The line between defensive and offensive nature of the weapons is getting thinner and thinner,"
the diplomat added.

South Korea has been in a heated missile race with North Korea. The North recently tested what
appeared to be an improved version of its proven KN-23 missile with a 2.5-ton warhead that
analysts say is aimed at besting the 2-ton warhead on the Hyunmoo-4.

"While North Korea still appears to be the primary driver behind South Korea's missile
expansion, Seoul is pursuing systems with ranges beyond what is necessary to counter North
Korea," said Kelsey Davenport, director for nonproliferation policy at the Arms Control
Association in Washington.

As proliferation accelerates, analysts say the most worrisome missiles are those that can carry
either conventional or nuclear warheads. China, North Korea and the United States all field such
weapons.

"It is difficult, if not impossible, to determine if a ballistic missile is armed with a conventional or
nuclear warhead until it reaches the target," Davenport said. As the number of such weapons
increases, "there is an increased risk of inadvertent escalation to a nuclear strike."

Reporting by Josh Smith; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee in Taipei, Tim Kelly in Tokyo, and Idrees Ali in Washington. Editing by Gerry Doyle

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

More from Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 8/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

Activists accuse
Facebook of anti-
Palestinian bias

'No room' for U.S.-

Palestinian consulate in
Jerusalem: Israel

'No more negotiation':

Ethiopians denounce
U.S. at rally

Iraqi citizens condemn

attack on PM

'Earth began to purge

us too': Slam poet at
COP26

Read Next

Asia Pacific 9:54 Macro Matters 9:53 AM

EXCLUSIVE Facebook unblocks '#saltbae' hashtag after AM CET Advisers urge Japan PM to compile stimulus measures CET
Vietnamese minister's golden steak quickly

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 9/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals 9:41 AM Business 9:42

Bangladesh's Beximco to sell generic version of Merck CET Tokyo high court rejects request for injunction against AM CET
COVID-19 pill Tokyo Kikai poison pill - court document

Sign up for our newsletter

Subscribe for our daily curated newsletter to receive the latest exclusive Reuters coverage delivered to your
inbox.

Sign up

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 10/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

Sponsored Content

One of the World’s Best Preparati per il futuro con Come il Covid-19 sta Mega-trend: le opportunità di
Performing Portfolios During Invesco. Scopri i Fondi Income. ridisegnando il mondo del crescita del futuro
COVID-19 lavoro

Sponsored by Swissquote Sponsored by Invesco Management S.A. Sponsored by Aviva Investors Sponsored by WisdomTree

Asia Pacific

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 11/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

Asia Pacific · 8:35 AM CET

Singapore court stays Malaysian's imminent execution after COVID-19

infection
A Singapore court on Tuesday stayed until further notice the execution of a Malaysian convicted
of drug smuggling, on the grounds of "common sense and humanity" after confirming he had
tested positive for COVID-19.
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 12/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

Asia Pacific Asia Pacific

Duterte daughter quits mayor race as Philippine election deadline India could ship vaccines to COVAX in a few weeks, say
looms sources
9:05 AM CET 7:10 AM CET

Asia Pacific Asia Pacific

Australia bumps up investment in EV chargers, shuns sales targets Urea shortage threatens South Korea's transport, energy
5:24 AM CET industries
8:48 AM CET

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 13/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

Sponsored Content

É giunta l'ora di passare What is the latest on ETFs? Why European Bonds Will Look Proteggi il tuo futuro digitale
all’azione Great con la cybersecurity

Sponsored by Aviva Investors Sponsored by MarketViews Sponsored by Swissquote Sponsored by WisdomTree

Sponsored Content

The latest trends on responsible Journey to Net Zero with the Progress, not perfection Find Out What Investors Are
investing S&P PACT™ Indices Searching For - Download
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 14/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

Report Now

Sponsored by MarketViews Sponsored by S&P Global Sustainable1 Sponsored by ING Bank Sponsored by Dianomi and The Dubs

Sponsored Content

Sei alla ricerca di income? Investi nelle migliori aziende di How to comply with sustainable Webinar: The vaccine,your
Scopri i Fondi Invesco acqua pulita ed economia finance regulations immune system, and what’s
circolare next for Covid-19?

Sponsored by Invesco Management S.A. Sponsored by Rize ETF Sponsored by Clarity AI Sponsored by Nomura

Latest Browse Media About Reuters

Home World Videos About Reuters

Business Pictures Careers
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 15/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

Legal Graphics Reuters News Agency

Markets Brand Attribution Guidelines
Breakingviews Reuters Leadership
Technology Reuters Fact Check
Investigations Reuters Diversity Report
Lifestyle
Stay Informed

Download the App

Newsletters

Information you can trust

Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the world’s largest multimedia news provider, reaching
billions of people worldwide every day. Reuters provides business, financial, national and international news to
professionals via desktop terminals, the world's media organizations, industry events and directly to consumers.

Follow Us

Thomson Reuters Products Refinitiv Products

Westlaw Onesource Checkpoint Eikon Refinitiv Data Platform World-Chec

Build the strongest argument
relying on authoritative
content, attorney-editor
expertise, and industry
defining technology.
The most comprehensive The industry leader for online Information, analytics and Access to real-time, reference, Screen for he
solution to manage all your information for tax, exclusive news on financial and non-real time data in the individual an
complex and ever-expanding accounting and finance markets - delivered in an cloud to power your globally to he
tax and compliance needs. professionals. intuitive desktop and mobile enterprise. hidden risks i
interface. relationships
networks.

Advertise With Us Advertising Guidelines

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 16/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays.

Cookies Terms of Use Privacy Corrections Site Feedback

© 2021 Reuters. All rights reserved

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 17/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 18/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 19/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 20/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 21/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 22/23
09/11/21, 10:01 Analysis: Caught between China and the U.S., Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles | Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/caught-between-china-us-asian-countries-stockpile-powerful-new-missiles-2021-07-20/ 23/23