U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton says Washington's willingness to deploy intermediate-range missiles in Asia has to do with protecting its allies in South Korea and Japan,... saying any such deployment would be purely defensive.<br />Bolton's comments on Tuesday came in response to China's protests against U.S. plans to consider deploying conventional, intermediate-range missiles throughout Asia.<br />Beijing threatened Washington with countermeasures if the U.S. deploys missiles on China's doorstep.<br />The Trump administration has accused China of aggressive behavior and the recent exchange of heated rhetoric over U.S. missile deployment in Asia has raised concerns about a regional arms race.<br /><br />
