China to neighbors: Drop plans for missile shield

Editor's Note: The following report is excerpted from Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin, the premium online newsletter published by the founder of WND. Subscriptions are $99 a year or, for monthly trials, just $9.95 per month for credit card users, and provide instant access for the complete reports.

WASHINGTON – Chinese officials are not amused with U.S. plans to collaborate with Asian allies to develop a ballistic missile shield to protect Asia, according to a report in Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin.

The Chinese claim that such a system will have a negative impact on global and regional strategic stability "and go against the security needs of the countries in the Asia-Pacific region," according to Luo Zhaohu, Asian affairs chief for the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

"The Chinese government always insists that countries should start by maintaining global strategic stability and promoting strategic mutual trust between major powers to handle the issue of missile defense prudently," Luo said without elaborating.

The Obama administration has been in discussions since March with officials from Australia, Japan and South Korea over an anti-missile system for the region.

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It would be based on a U.S. "phased adaptive approach" to deploy a combination of land- and sea-based missile interceptors in the region. The "phased adaptive approach" is similar to the anti-missile system which the United States wants to deploy in Europe against a possible missile attack from Iran.

The deployment of such a system in Europe already has prompted a vehement protest from Russia, where officials believe the system ultimately is aimed at their strategic missile capability and would have the effect of undermining their strategic deterrent.

Its ongoing construction in Europe has prompted Moscow to threaten to deploy strategic missiles aimed at those countries that have such systems. And in recent days, Russian military officials also have threatened attacks on those sites – a move analysts assess as not likely.

In criticizing the U.S. plan for Asia, Luo said that the U.S. should not act rashly in deploying such a system. He also objected to the U.S. providing a missile defense to Taiwan "in any way."

As in the case of Europe and despite protests, the U.S. most likely will proceed with construction of the Asian anti-missile defense system.

The reason not only is to thwart a perceived missile threat from the Chinese but also the likelihood of a missile threat from North Korea if Pyongyang can launch a missile without it breaking apart every time.

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