Radio New Zealand:
The Northern Marianas has expressed concern over the potential danger posed by China’s increasing capability to launch missiles that can reach the United States territory.
Governor Ralph Torres on Tuesday echoed concerns raised by the congresswoman for neighbouring Guam, Madeleine Bordallo, on regional security threats.
The Northern Marianas and Guam are United States territories which host strategically important US military installations on the fringe of Asia, where Beijing and Washington are jostling for strategic dominance.
Mr Torres said continued diplomatic talks by President Barack Obama and China’s President Xi Jinping could advance economic opportunities between the two countries rather than military threats.
A recent report from the US-China Economic and Security Commission said Guam was one of China’s “focal points” in developing its missile capability.
The report points to China’s introduction of a new ballistic missile, which is said to feature nuclear, conventional, and anti-ship variants with a range of 4,000 kilometers, capable of reaching Guam and the Northern Marianas.
