U.S. missile shield for allies: Armitage

SEOUL, MAY 11. A limited U.S. missile shield, one that will not trigger an arms race, will be offered to America's allies if the technology is successful, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Mr. Richard Armitage, said today.

In an interview to a Korean daily, Joongang Ilbo, Mr. Armitage said, ``This is a U.S. plan, but if we are successful, it could be made available to our allies who might be faced by rogue States who purchase or manufacture missiles, an alternative to making their own missiles.

``They could have a limited defensive shield. It ensures stability and doesn't cause an arms race.''

Mr. Armitage is on an Asian tour to explain the Bush administration's strategic gameplan, featuring unilateral nuclear missile cuts and a missile interceptor system that is still on the drawing board and could cost tens of billions of dollars.

The missile shield poses no threat to China's small nuclear deterrent.

``We believe if we have a limited defence against a handful of missiles, that in no way eliminates China's strategic deterrent, so it is not a threat to China... We have no desire to keep China down,'' he said.

- Reuters

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Section  : International
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