The Race for Missiles in Asia’s Danger Zone
With the region entering “a new era of crisis,” there’s a fresh push for countries to boost their defense shields and counterstrike capabilities.
People in Seoul watch a broadcast showing a file image of a North Korean missile launch.
Photographer: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
It’s no surprise that for US allies in Asia, “Top Gun: Maverick” is the year’s most-watched American movie, topping the box office in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. The simple tale of US might and gumption against an evil faceless opponent certainly resonates in a region that’s facing intensifying threats.
But no one is placing bets that Tom Cruise and his younger movie cohorts are coming to save the day. Northeast Asia is instead putting its faith, and budget, into bulking up both offensive and defensive missile capabilities to counter any possible spillover of China’s actions on Taiwan and North Korea’s continued provocations.