CNN.com Missile defense shield: Asian perspective

Top Stories

US Secretary of State Richard Armitage has been attempting to sell the US missile shield throughout Asia. His message has received a mixed reaction from the countries in the region. Predictably allies such as Australia and Japan have given their qualified support, however the proposal has met strong opposition from China.

According to China, the project would violate the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union. US President George Bush is unconcerned and has said that the treaty is a relic of the Cold War.

The defense shield has the potential to alter the balance of power of the nuclear states in the region and fuel a new arms race.

Although there is still considerable international concern, elements of the Bush administration are pushing to deploy, at least a minimal missile defense system, by 2004.

REGIONAL REACTIONS BELOW


	South Korea South Korea has in the past been resistant to the idea of a global missile defense system, warning that it may antagonize North Korea. It has expressed concern that such a system could trigger a new arms race. Resources: U.S. woos South Korea		China China is strongly opposed to the missile shield plan. It could erode the effectiveness of its nuclear arsenal and may cover Taiwan, which Beijing regards as a renegade province that must be reunited with the mainland. Resources: U.S. trip to China latest bid for shield support U.S. missile plan 'no threat to China
	Japan In Tokyo, Japan told Armitage that it understood the plan but, mindful of Chinese opposition, stopped short of giving it clear backing. Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi also said he would refrain from immediate comment.		India India has endorsed President Bush's vision of a nuclear missile shield. The Minister of External Affairs, Jaswant Singh declared: "What we are endeavoring to work out together is a totally new security regime for the entire globe." Resources: VIDEO: More on Richard Armitage's visit India backs Bush's missile defense shield
	New Zealand New Zealand, a longtime proponent of nuclear control, was critical of the Bush announcement. "The establishment of the missile defense system runs the risk of halting and reversing multilateral progress toward the elimination of nuclear weapons." Foreign Minister Phil Goff and Disarmament Minister Matt Robson said in a statement.		Australia The most favorable response came from Australia, which said it would allow the United States to use joint military bases on its soil for the shield.