Russia delivers missile systems to China

Russia has delivered 15 batteries of S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to China. Officials from the National Defense Sector say the deal is unprecedented both in terms of cost and quantity.

The deal is said to be worth over $2 billion.

The S-300 systems will be used to defend the Chinese cities of Beijing and Shanghai against potential threats. The upgraded S-300 system is capable of hitting short range missiles and also fixed land targets.

Moscow-based political analyst Aleksandr Pikaev thinks China's purchase will not trigger tensions in the region.

“Japan is purchasing the American Patriot system, and likely the Chinese think they need to have their own air defense and missile defense capabilities. I do not expect considerable negative reaction from the region, but certainly the United States would be concerned about that. It would require them to concentrate more offensive weapons on Chinese targets,” Pikaev told RT.