Asian nations split over U.S. missile defense plans

Putin raised the U.S. defense system proposal with South Korea

By Staff and wire reports

HONG KONG, China -- Asian countries are finding themselves at odds over whether or not to support the United States' plans to put up a national missile defense system.

Foe-turned-friend Vietnam has thrown its support behind traditional ally Russia, which is marshalling international opposition to the proposal.

Vietnam made its sentiments known in an agreement signed on Thursday with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is the first Kremlin leader to visit there.

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Missile defense system

In the declaration, Hanoi said it would support Putin's opposition to the U.S. defense plan, while the Russian president said Hanoi wanted to buy new Russian arms.

Putin is in Vietnam as part of an Asian tour aimed at boosting his country's influence in the region, which has declined dramatically since the collapse of the Soviet Union a decade ago.

South Korea "undecided"

But Putin was less successful in convincing South Korea that U.S. plans to build a missile defense system violates the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.

The convention bans such systems under the belief that a country would not launch a nuclear strike if it were unable to protect itself against retaliation.

South Korea's foreign ministry said press reports stating that Seoul was opposed to the controversial plan was misleading.

The reports followed the Tuesday signing of a joint declaration between Putin and South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, which appeared to suggest Seoul opposed the U.S. plans.

"Some press reports suggesting [the joint declaration] is indirectly criticizing or opposing the NMD [National Missile Defense], or is supporting those countries against it, are misleading and do not reflect the position of the government," a foreign ministry statement said.

"(The government) is still carefully reviewing its position on the NMD and has not voiced any opposition to it," the statement said, adding the declaration "does not mention this issue in any way."

South Korea's views on the matter are considered important, because Washinton's main reason for building the shield is protect itself from any potential threat from its enemies or "rogue" states, including North Korea.

Australia "understands U.S. need"

Reith is expected to discuss the matter with China

The U.S. missile defense shield proposal is also expected to be taken up by Australia's new Defense Minister Peter Reith when he meets with Chinese officials in Beijing.

Reith is in the Chinese capital for a two-day visit to discuss defense issues.

Australia has said it understands the U.S. need to proceed with developing the national missile defense system.

The U.S. maintains a satellite communications interception facility in central Australia.

Two of the ground antennas there are part of the U.S. Defense Satellite Communications System, and the facility could play a key role in any new U.S. missile defense plan.

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Korean Government
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