This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
On August 20, 2019, Russia and China expressed concern over a new US missile test, which they claimed had heightened military tensions and risked sparking an arms race.
The US had tested a ground-launched missile, a type of weapon banned under the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, which limited the use of nuclear and conventional medium-range weapons.
"The US has obviously taken a course towards escalation of military tensions. We won't react to provocations," said Russia's deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov.
China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang also condemned the test, saying it would trigger a new round of an arms race and lead to an escalation of military confrontation.
The US Department of Defence had announced the test on Monday, citing the need to respond to Russia's actions. However, the US had insisted that it was not embarking on a new arms race.
The INF treaty was ditched by the US and Russia this month after accusing each other of violating the accord. The US had said the agreement tied its hands in dealing with other powers such as China.
The missile tested was a version of the nuclear-capable Tomahawk cruise missile, which was removed from service after the INF was ratified.
