DoD News Briefing
Thursday, January 14, 1999 - 2:30 p.m.
Presenter: Capt. Mike Doubleday, USN, DASD (PA)
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Q: China. Mike, there was a report yesterday from the, quoting the Chinese Director, Chinese Foreign Ministry's Arms Control Director, Mr. Zia Zucheng that his, where China is warning, is very critical about a ballistic missile defense system including Japan, Taiwan, and the United States. And I would like to ask, what is the Department's reaction? Why would China be, why would China object to a defensive system, let's say, on Taiwan?
A: I have not seen those comments that you cite there, and so I will refrain from any comment on those particular comments. But what I will say is that the Secretary is presently over in that region of the world. He is talking to both our Japanese allies and our allies in the Republic of Korea. And one of the concerns that those allies have is over a missile capability which is being developed by the North Koreans.
And I think as you know, we have a multi-part missile defense program in the United States, one part of which is for theater missile defense. That is to say defense against threats to our deployed forces and to people close in to regions where our forces are operating.
We have said, and the Secretary has indicated on his current trip, that the United States is certainly willing to work with Japan as we develop those systems.
Q: Do you think, though, to go back to my second part, that China is showing its hand, so to speak, by saying we want to hold you hostage to our missiles and deprive you of a BMD system?
A: I cannot analyze for you what the Chinese have said.
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Press: Thank you.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jan1999/t01141999_t0114asd.html
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