Number: RS20031
Title: CHINA AND U.S. MISSILE DEFENSE PROPOSALS: REACTIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Robert G. Sutter, Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division 
Abstract: The Chinese government has strongly criticized U.S. announcements that it will develop or assist in deploying missile defense systems involving cooperation with U.S. allies in East Asia, and reports of such possible U.S. cooperation with Taiwan. Though the U.S. government may attempt to reassure China that it is not the target of the new systems, initial Chinese reactions suggest that the United States may face serious difficulties with China if on balance it sees U.S. interests well served by current plans and goes ahead with them, and especially if it supports ballistic missile defense efforts in Taiwan.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated March 17, 1999