Erdogan responds to NATO'S criticism over China missile deal

Responding to international criticism particularly from the US and NATO over Turkey's choice to agree a missile defense deal with China, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Oct. 23 before departing for Kosovo: "Nobody has the right to overshadow our understanding of independence." Stating that China's proposal currently displays the most appropriate conditions, Erdogan said that comments by NATO or any country would not have any effect on the decision. Commenting on NATO's concern about Turkey's preference, Erdogan noted, "Many NATO member states have Russian weapons in their inventories. If NATO is this sensitive on the issue then, it would remove the weapons from Russia in NATO's own inventory."