China also stated that it would not sell its M-9 missiles to Syria, a medium-range weapon under development of particular concern to American officials.

Probably a combination of short- and medium-range weapons, he decided.

Even if they had medium-range weapons, the police wouldn't attempt to shoot the chopper down.

Installations where medium-range weapons have been stored, based, repaired and deployed in the past will also be opened on challenge.

Officials are especially excited about the chances of completing an agreement with the Soviet Union on reducing medium-range nuclear weapons.

But it is China that has actively pursued the acquisition of advanced short- and medium-range weapons.

On medium-range weapons, the two sides agree that they will retain only 100 warheads, with the Soviet Union keeping its hundred in Asia.

The short-range nuclear weapons were in addition to medium-range nuclear weapons that would have required authorization from Moscow to use.

Cirocco: "Since they can't get too close to us, they have to use some kind of medium-range weapon.

The threat from land-based medium-range Soviet weapons did not begin with the initial siting of the SS-20s in 1977.