Provocations of the sort we saw last night will only further isolate them, as we stand by our allies, strengthen our own missile defence and lead the world in taking firm action in response to these threats.

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"Provocations of the sort we saw last night will only isolate them further as we stand by our allies, strengthen our own missile defence and lead the world in taking firm action in response to these threats, " he said.

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China's concern was that the American missile defence system would lead to increasing use of space for military purposes and fuel an arms race.

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