WASHINGTON, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The United States repeated Tuesday its call for Russia to cooperate on missile defense issues, saying the U.S. missile defense plan can not be construed as a threat to Russia's strategic capability.

    The planned missile defense shield in Eastern Europe involves only 10 interceptors, "a very limited quantity that is designed to defend against a very limited attack," State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey said.

    Russia has been concerned about the Europe-based missile defense system, a precautious measure that, Washington says, is to defend threat from the Middle East threats.

    "This is a threat that is there not only for the United States and its European allies, but also for the Russians as well. We would hope that the Russians would want us to cooperate on the issue of missile defense," Casey said.

    In addition, National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe also said Tuesday that "the United States has made clear to the Russians that this missile shield is directed at other nations that could conceivably affect the peace of Europe. We will continue to make sure that Russia fully understands our intentions."

    Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the U.S. deployment of missile defense system will be a threat to Russia's national security.

    The U.S. missile defense plan was reportedly due to start operating in 2011.

    Seeking to overcome Russia's strong opposition to the U.S. sponsored missile shield, Washington reportedly has invited Russia to link missile systems, including offers to cooperate on developing defense technology and to share intelligence about common threats, as well as to permit Russians to inspect the future missile bases.