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Protests continue in South Korea as the US conducts missile tests over the Pacific Ocean

RUSS MITCHELL, anchor:

Protests in South Korea today over US missile defense testing. About 150 demonstrators clashed with police outside the Yongsan US Army base. Protesters, who kicked and hit police, also tried to burn an American flag. They were protesting tonight's test of the system designed to knock out incoming missiles. Eric Engberg reports the military officials are hoping the third time is the charm.

ERIC ENGBERG reporting:

In the first missile defense test since an embarrassing failure one year ago, the military will launch a Minuteman ICBM carrying a mock warhead from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Then, 20 minutes later, a kill rocket will be launched from Kwajalein Island in mid-Pacific with the aim of intercepting the target over the ocean. It's been done once before, but the two most recent tests were busts.

While a third straight failure would give ammunition to critics of the multibillion-dollar program, the Bush administration appears to be so committed to anti-missile defense that even the critics say this task isn't make or break.

Mr. JOHN PIKE (GlobalSecurity.org): If this test succeeds, the administration will say they're on the right course. If it fails, they'll be able to say, 'This is why we need to spend more money.'

ENGBERG: But defense officials admitted to Congress this week one big problem looms: Future tests will conflict with the ABM Treaty signed by President Nixon and Soviet leader Brezhnev in 1972.

Mr. PAUL WOLFOWITZ (Deputy Secretary of Defense): Such an event is likely to occur in months rather than in years.

ENGBERG: That's because development plans include treaty busters like upgrading a radar base on Alaska's Shemya Island and deploying interceptor missiles at Ft. Greely near Fairbanks. But Secretary of State Powell suggested yesterday the treaty itself might not even have to be changed if an informal agreement can be reached.

John Holum, who was top arms control negotiator in the Clinton administration, predicts the Russians will accept a deal if they believe it's not a ploy.

Mr. JOHN HOLUM (Former Undersecretary of State): And I think an agreement is possible, but it has to be based on a need to change the treaty rather than prematurely blowing off the treaty.

ENGBERG: So even though tonight's test involves trying to hit a target 140 miles out in space, the real test of the missile defense system will happen on the ground next weekend, when President Bush meets with Russian President Putin to try to sell him on changing a landmark treaty.