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Missile Defense-Related Statements and Developments

 

1995	1996	1997	1998
1999	2000	2001	2002
2003	2004	Links

This chronology includes statements and developments on issues related to China and missile defense, including Chinese missile testing, and Chinese and other countries' statements, opinions, and papers.

2004

2003

06/19/2003: South Korea’s Ministry of Defense, in a report to the National Assembly, indicated that it would consider joining a U.S.-led missile defense system for Northeast Asia.  It also requested 130 billion won (U.S. $109 million) for the purchase of Patriot PAC-3 missile defenses. [“Def. Min. Official Downplays Rumors on ROK Joining US-Led Missile Defense System,” Seoul Yonhap, 19 June 2003].

06/06/2003: The Asahi Shimbun reported that the Japanese Defense Agency’s latest budget included requests for a Standard Missile 3 system, deployed on an Aegis destroyer, as well as Patriot PAC-3 land-based missile defense systems.  Though Japan has been involved in a joint missile defense research project with the United States for several years, North Korea’s recent belligerence has led to a more urgent timetable for Japan.  Such a purchase would require the addressing of constitutional issues that limit Japan’s military capabilities and actions. [“Fear Alters Missile Defense Plan,” Asahi Shimbun, 06 June 2003.]

05/30/2003: Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, on his way to the Group of Eight summit in Evian, France, announced his interest in pursuing missile defense.  Though he mainly spoke of the need to make it clear to North Korea the ineffectiveness of nuclear blackmail, Mr. Koizumi also stated he believes “there is a need to accelerate research into missile defenses." [Eric Talmadge, “Koizumi Urges Missile Defense,” Washington Times, 30 May 2003.]

05/09/2003: The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States is willing and eager to sell Patriot PAC-3 missile defense systems to Taiwan, a move which will anger Beijing just as Washington needs its assistance in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue.  Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Richard Lawless, at a Taiwan-U.S. defense industry conference, stated that Taiwan’s “first task is to address [China’s] accelerated conventional-missile buildup. We believe it is imperative that Taiwan ... acquire an integrated air and missile defense capability."  Taiwanese officials, however, expressed reservations about the effectiveness and price of the PAC-3 system. [Murray Hiebert, Greg Jaffe, and Jason Dean, “U.S. Urges Taiwan To Purchase Missiles,” The Wall Street Journal, 9 May 2003.]

04/28/2003: At the opening of the 2003 Preparatory Committee for the 2005 NPT Review Conference, a Chinese working paper expressed Chinese regrets about the demise of the ABM treaty.  The opening statement of Chinese Ambassador Hu Xiaodi closely followed this working paper, as Hu declared: “Missile defense programs should not undermine global strategic balance or disrupt international or regional peace and stability.”  He also emphasized China’s desire for negotiations “as early as possible to conclude relevant international legal instruments preventing weaponization of and arms race in outer space.” [Statement By Mr. Hu To NPT PrepCom, 28 April 2003 and Working Paper On Nuclear Disarmament And Reduction Of The Danger Of Nuclear War[Chinese Text], submitted by China at 2003 PrepCom]

04/02/2003: Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov stated that Russia was ready to discuss a missile defense system with Japan, but maintained that any discussions should be multilateral and incorporate other countries in the region.  "A system that is limited to specific countries would invite danger," said Ivanov, naming South Korea and China as countries that ought to be included, along with Russia, Japan, and the United States.  Ivanov stressed the need for “transparency" and expressed eventual hope for "some kind of framework" on multilateral missile defense in Asia. ["Russian Foreign Minister Ivanov Urges Japan To Include Neighbors In Missile Defense,” Tokyo Kyodo, 02 April 2003]

03/24/2003: Taiwanese Vice Defense Minister Chen Chao-min announced that “the pace for the procurement of PAC-3 systems has been hastened as the Chinese communists have deployed more missiles targeting Taiwan.”  Chen also spoke of concern over the effectiveness of the PAC-3 system, citing a poor record to date in Operation Iraqi Freedom. [“Taiwan Speeding Up Procurement Of U.S.-Made Patriot Weaponry,” Agence France-Presse, 24 March 2003]

03/2003: A U.S. Defense Department official stated that the United States and Japan “finalized an agreement in late February to continue joint research on a sea-based missile defense system.” This particular system uses the Standard Missile-3. Further research will also be conducted on “creating a new nose cone, a second-stage propulsion system, an infrared seeker, and a hit-to-kill warhead for the Standard Missile-3.” At this point the Japanese government was still undecided on whether to continue the cooperation beyond the research phase. [“U.S., Japan Extend Missile Defense Cooperation,” Arms Control Today, Vol. 33 No. 2 (March 2003)]

02/27/2003: Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense disclosed its plan for a “satellite advanced warning system.”  This system, combined with a 400 million Taiwan dollars (approximately 12 million US dollars) satellite communication system due to be completed next year, will provide Taiwan with a "real-time satellite image receiving system" with which to monitor military activities on the mainland.  Taiwan is also considering purchasing U.S. made Patriot PAC-3 anti-missile batteries to deploy in central and southern Taiwan. [Wu Mingjie, “Taiwan Defense Ministry Plans for Anti-Missile Satellite Advanced Warning System,” Taipei Tzu-Yu Shih-Pao, 27 February 2003]

02/24/2003: During a working-level Security Subcommittee meeting, Japan requested “detailed information on a U.S.-developed missile interceptor system.” A government spokesman said the information was asked for to ascertain whether or not Japan should use the system. [Jonathan Watts, “Japan And The U.S. Will Reportedly Field-Test A Missile Shield Next Year,” South China Morning Post, 18 February 2003]

02/16/2003: According to a Hong Kong press report, the Second Research Institute of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation exhibited the “Flying Leopard 2000” air defense missile system.  This system, which can be vehicle-borne, ship-based, or shoulder-mounted, is said to be able to destroy hostile targets within 3000-5000 meters using laser semi-active guidance.  Currently the system, when paired with radar, is only capable of destroying subsonic targets moving in straight lines, but with further upgrading it is expected to be able to handle more complex, supersonic missile attack scenarios. [“China's New 'Flying Leopard' Short-Range Air-Defense Missile System,” Hong Kong Kuang Chiao Ching, 16 February 2003, in FBIS-CPP20030221000065]

02/14/2003: At a closed door U.S.-Taiwan defense conference organized by the U.S.-Taiwan Business Council, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Affairs Richard Lawless said in the face of China’s increasing ballistic missile threat Taiwan should “build upon its existing assets and acquire an integrated air and missile defense capability.” Furthermore, he added Taiwan ought to “devote greater resources to readiness, including personnel management, logistics, maintenance, and training.” [“U.S. Urges Taiwan To Beef Up Missile Defense Capability,” Central News Agency (CNA), 15 February 2003 at http://portal.gio.gov.tw/]

02/11/2003: During a press conference, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhang Qiyue was asked if China had “successfully test-launched a medium-range missile with multiple warheads against the NMD of the U.S.”  She responded: “I cannot confirm on that. [sic] The allegation that the national defense construction of China is targeted against the weapons systems is utterly groundless.” [Foreign Ministry Spokesperson’s Press Conference, 11 February 2003, Website of China’s Ministry Of Foreign Affairs, http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/42281.html]

2002

12/17/2002: A year after the United States withdrew from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, the Bush administration formally decided to begin deployment of a national missile defense system by 2004. He stated:

“Missile defenses have an important role to play in this effort. The United States has moved beyond the doctrine of Cold War deterrence reflected in the 1972 ABM Treaty. At the same time we have established a positive relationship with Russia that includes partnership in counterterrorism and in other key areas of mutual concern. We have adopted a new concept of deterrence that recognizes that missile defenses will add to our ability to deter those who may contemplate attacking us with missiles. Our withdrawal from the ABM Treaty has made it possible to develop and test the full range of missile defense technologies, and to deploy defenses capable of protecting our territory and our cities.

I have directed the Secretary of Defense to proceed with fielding an initial set of missile defense capabilities. We plan to begin operating these initial capabilities in 2004 and 2005, and they will include ground-based interceptors, sea-based interceptors, additional Patriot (PAC-3) units, and sensors based on land, at sea, and in space.”

The same day, the Department of Defense sent out a news release describing the system in more detail:

“The initial set of capabilities planned for 2004-2005 will include:

• Up to 20 ground-based interceptors capable of intercepting and destroying intercontinental ballistic missiles during the midcourse phase of flight located at Ft. Greely, Alaska (16 interceptors) and Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. (4 interceptors);
• Up to 20 sea-based interceptors employed on existing Aegis ships to intercept short and medium range ballistic missiles in the mid-course phase of flight;
• Deployment of air-transportable Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) systems to intercept short and medium range ballistic missiles;
• Land, sea and space-based sensors, including existing early warning satellites, upgraded radar now located at Shemya, Alaska, new sea-based X-band radar and other sensors now on Aegis cruisers and destroyers.  We have also made a request to the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Denmark to upgrade early warning radars on their territory.

These initial capabilities may be improved through additional measures, such as:

• Additional ground-and-sea based interceptors and PAC-3 units;
• The Theater High Altitude Area Defense system to intercept short and medium range missiles at high altitude;
• Availability of the developmental Airborne Laser aircraft that will use directed energy to destroy a ballistic missile in the boost phase;
• A common family of boost-phase and midcourse interceptors for land and sea basing;
• Enhanced radars and other sensor capabilities; and
• Development and testing of space-based defenses, specifically space-based kinetic energy (hit to kill) interceptors and advanced target tracking satellites.”

[President George W. Bush, “President Announces Progress in Missile Defense Capabilities,” 17 December 2002; Bill Gertz, “Bush Approves Missile Defense,” Wahsington Times, 17 December 2002; “Missile Defense Operations Announcement,” 17 December 2002]

11/25/2002:  Minister of Defense Tang Yiau-min announced that Taiwanese armed forces would start recruiting for an all volunteer battalion of non-commissioned officers to train on missile launches.  This program, according to Taipei Central News Agency, is part of an experimental voluntary military system to begin next year.  In a report to the Legislative Yuan's Defense Committee, Minister Tang reported, "In the face of mainland China's missile threats, we should upgrade the professionalism and stability of our anti-missile combat forces.  And this is why the army's missile unit has been chosen as one of the three military units to be open for an experiment on an all-volunteer recruit system. [“CNA: Defense Ministry To Recruit All-Volunteer Missile Battalion," Taipei Central News Agency, 25 November 2002 in FBIS CPP20021125000148].

11/09/2002: Japanese and U.S. government sources told Tokyo Kyodo News that the U.S. government announced unofficially to the Japanese government its plan to begin deploying interceptor missiles in 2008.  According to Tokyo Kyodo News, the United States will deploy these interceptor missiles, which are being developed under the joint missile defense program, on Aegis destroyers. [“U.S. Missile Deployment To Pressure Japan On Joint Missile-Defense Initiative,” Tokyo Kyodo News, 9 November 2002].

11/05/2002: The BBC News reported that the joint Israeli-American project scored another success in the testing of the Mobile Tactical High Energy Laser (MTHEL) against an artillery shell. Two years ago the project also succeeded in destroying a Katyusha missile. The MTHEL system is a result of a commitment in 1996 made by former U.S. President Bill Clinton to Israel in developing a security system against rockets. [“US Military Scores Laser Success,” BBC News, 5 November 2002]

11/01/2002: General Kadish stated during a press conference that US efforts to defend against missile attacks are not focused on the former Soviet Union or China, but on "North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya and other states that might threaten us in the process." [Bill Gertz, "North Korea Missile Threat Increases," The Washington Times, 1 November 2002.]

10/31/2002: Army Secretary Thomas White stated that control over the PAC-3 antimissile program was being shifted from the Missile Defense Agency to the US Army. Rather than explode near an incoming missile like the older version of the Patriot system, the PAC-3 missile intercepts directly the incoming missile making it a “significant upgrade,” said Army Secretary White. The Army plans to acquire 15 more of the missiles by the end of the year in addition to the 38 it currently has. ["Army to Take Over PAC-3 Program,” Defense Week Daily Update, 31 October 2002]

10/17/2002: Congress approved a defense measure, which will provide nearly all of the Bush administration’s $7.4 billion for developing a national missile defense system. The bill also provides $2.3 billion for purchase of two new Aegis destroyers. [“Senate Oks Biggest Defense Increase in Decades,” Washington Times, 17 October 2002, pg. 8.]

10/14/2002: According to Aviation Week and Space Technology, the MDA has brought in new management to overhaul the agency and help it to develop an overarching missile defense system. Part of the new management approach is to further the development of the Ke boost project. The MDA wants to field a boost-phase interceptor by 2008 and create a common booster by 2010. These interceptors are to be designed to be high accelerating, high speed missiles with an average velocity of 6km/sec. The MDA hopes to use existing components, such as those found in Trident missiles, to develop the interceptor. The MDA also announced that it plans to build the missile defense system gradually with an initial fielding of a system in 2004. MDA’s Gary Payton said that one goal is to develop a new kill vehicle for multiple uses. In response to critics’ claim that a single kill vehicle could be fooled by decoys, three design teams are exploring multiple lightweight kill vehicles (2 kilograms), which could be loaded onto an interceptor missile. Such approach would also eliminate the need for perfect discrimination capability. Another new concept involves High-Altitude Airships to carry infrared sensors and radar with the possibility of later becoming a weapon carrier. These High-Altitude Ships could be tested in 2005 and deployed by 2006. However, this would depend on how quickly the appropriate sensors are developed. Finally, the MDA is also trying to develop new algorithms to make the BMD system more intelligent. Rather than use a linear approach of “if-then” assumptions, probabilities and greater data gathering systems would be used to discriminate amongst decoys and warheads. [Robert Wall, “Missile Defense Focus Shifts to Fielding,” Aviation Week and Space Technology, 14 October 2002. Vol. 157, No. 16; Pg. 27]

10/12/2002: China Aerospace Science and Technology Industrial Group announced that it had successfully developed the “Pioneer” series of solid fuel carrier rockets. “Pioneer I” and “Pioneer II” are a new generation of solid fuel carrier rockets designed to launch small satellites or payloads below 300 to 400kg and are a supplement to the large liquid fuel carrier rockets. The “Pioneer” series are different from the Changzheng (Long March) rockets in that they can be transportable by vehicle and aircraft, launched in motion, and are easy to use and operate. The Group also claimed that the new series can deliver payloads quickly with a launching cost below that of liquid fueled rockets. [Lu Xiaoge and Sun Zifa, “China Successfully Develops the “Pioneer” Series of Solid Fuel Carrier Rockets,” Beijing Zhongguo Xinwen She, 12 October 2002.]

10/04/2002:  The Defense Daily reported that the MDA has shifted the responsibility of managing the Targets Joint Program Office from the Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) to the Air Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC). Under this change, the Air Force will manage activities related to developing, acquiring and maintaining all booster, payload and countermeasures capabilities used during testing of all the phases of flight for the missile defense system. The Defense Daily also reported that during a recent Ground-based Midcourse Defense intercept test, the intercept was able to distinguish among three balloon decoys.[Kerry Gildea, “MDA, Army at Odds Over Management of Missile Defense Targets Activities,” Defense Daily, 4 October 2002. Vol. 216, No. 4]

09/23/2002: During a risk reduction flight for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) program, the Missile Defense Agency used an Aegis Destroyer to track a missile with its SPY-1 radar. An MDA spokesman said that the SPY-1 radar was able to track the boosting target, fuse the sensor track data and measure the system timeline and data transmission delays. The MDA also reported that the cruiser, Lake Erie, will be used for its SPY-1 radar during the next intercept test to gather data about the target and the interceptor missiles. Though the radar will not be used to direct the interceptor missiles, it will be tested to determine a future role against long-range missile targets. [Kerry Gildea, “Aegis Radar Tracks Missile in MDA Risk Reduction Flight Test,” Defense Daily, 23 September 2002, Vol. 215, No. 58.]

09/01/2002: The Straight Times reported that China flight tested the Dong Feng-4 ballistic missile. This missile was launched from a test facility in southern China and struck an area in the north-western part of the country. China is believed to have 20 Df-4 which have a range of up to 7,000 km.[ “Latest China missile test worries US,” The Straight Times, 1 September 2002]

07/23/2002: The Washington Times reported that China’s Second Artillery Corps successfully test launched the DF-21 (CCS-5) medium range missile that contained “numerous dummy warheads designed to defeat missile defenses” from mobile launchers in Jiangxi Province and impacted in northwest China (1,300 miles). “Satellite photographs of the impact range where the missile’s dummy warheads hit showed that in addition to its main warhead, there were six or seven dummies or penetration aids.” Western analysts believe this test involved the more advanced DF-21 Mod 2. [Bill Gertz, “China Test Arms Designed to Fool Defense Systems,” Washington Times, 23 July 2002, pg. 1.]

07/22/2002: Defense Daily reported that the Missile Defense Agency tested some new sensor technologies with possible applications for future boost phase intercept systems last week. During the test, MDA tested its Generation I Boost Kill Vehicle (KV) seeker flown aboard the Airborne Surveillance Testbed. The KV seeker tracked the Air Force launched solid fueled missile, a Minuteman III, collected data on rocket plume and other aspects of flight, according to MDA officials. Lt. Col. Richard Lehner, an MDA spokesman, stated that the latest experiment "expands our experience beyond the liquid fueled Titan we tracked last month and reduces risk in our KV guidance, navigation and control strategy." Based on this latest test, MDA will examine data to determine the effectiveness of the candidate KV sensors’ ability to track the target and the fusion and transmission of this data. A final important aspect of the test was the sensors’ ability to distinguish between the missile plume and body. [Kerry Gildea, “MDA Tests New Kill Vehicle Sensors for Boost Phase Intercept Mission,” Defense Daily, 22 July 2002. Vol. 215 No.14.]

07/19/2002: The MDA and U.S. Air force announced the first test-flight of the modified Boeing 747-400 which is designed to carry the oxygen-iodine Prototype Attack Laser, Model A-1. The test flight from McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, was the first of the Airborne Laser program (ABL). The maiden test flight successfully determined if the Boeing 747 “can still perform properly with its distinctive structural changes.” The test did not involve the firing of a laser, which is scheduled to be installed towards the end of 2002. The first ABL “shootdown” test involving a missile target is scheduled for December 2004. [Mike Mount, “Anti-missile Plane Makes First Test Flight,” CNN.com, 19 July 2002; “US Begins Testing Airborne Laser in Missile Defense System, Xinhua, 19 July 2002 in FBIS CPP20020713000198; Kerry Gildea, MDA Plans Rigorous Countermeasures Test Prior to 2004,” Defense Daily, 17 July 2002, pg. 6.]

07/12/2002: The U.S. Secretary of Defense submitted the “Annual Report on the Military Power of the People’s Republic of China.” In addition to outlining China’s “current and future military strategies,” the report gives the following assessment of China’s ballistic missile capabilities:

• ICBM: China is currently in the process of replacing the approximately 20 DF-5 (CSS-4) with a longer rage DF-5A (CSS-4A), and should be completed by mid-decade. The deployment of the DF-31 should be completed before mid-decade with the “extended range” DF-31s, a solid fueled mobile ICBM and the solid fueled submarine launched missile (SLBM) JL-2, to be deployed “mid-to-late-decade.”
• IRBM and MRBM: The Second Artillery Missile Unit is currently replacing the liquid fueled DF-3 (CCS-2) IRBM with the solid fueled, mobile DF-21 (CCS-5) MRBM.
• SLBM: In addition to deploying medium-range SLBM aboard the XIA SSBN, the DF-31 solid fueled SLBM or JL-2 (CSS-NX-4) is expected to be deployed on a more “capable submarine by the end of the decade.”
• Missile Deployment: China currently has approximately 20 ICBMs that can target the United States, increasing to around 30 by 2005 and could reach as high as 60 by 2010. 
• Countermeasure to U.S. Missile Defense: China will likely increase the number of deployed ICBMs, improve penetration devices, and “develop a multiple warhead system for an ICBM,” perhaps the DF-5 (CSS-4).

[Department of Defense, Annual Report on Military Power of the People’s Republic of China, 12 July 2002.]

06/18/2002: In response to the United States withdrawal of the 1972 ABM Treaty and the subsequent Russian pull out of the START II Treaty, China's Foreign Ministry spokes person Liu Jinchao reiterated China position on the anti-ballistic missiles issue by stating: "China's position on the antiballistic missile issue has been consistent. China holds that maintaining global strategic stability, international arms control, and disarmament regime are extremely important and are in line with the fundamental interest of the countries in the world." ["PRC FM Spokesman on China's Stance on ABM Treaty," Xinhua, 18 June 2002 in FBIS CPP0618000166.]

06/18/2002: China has agreed to purchase two Russian missile systems, the anti-ship missile SS-N-26 Yakhont and the anti-aircraft missile SA-N-17 Grizzly. Both missile systems are to be deployed on the two new Sovremenny-class destroyers that China is also receiving from Russia.  Currently, China already has two Sovremenny-class destroyers in its navy. A Taiwan naval official believes "the new missile system is aimed at attacking the US Navy." [Brain Hsu, "Taiwan Military Official Says PRC Missile Purchase Bigger Threat to US," Taipei Times, 18 June 2002.]

06/15/2002: Members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) issued a joint communiqué “slamming” U.S. calls to revise the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM).  The communiqué stated that any planned treaty revision “will inflict considerable detriment to cooperation of various countries in the field of arms control and disarmament.”  The six members went on to state that the ABM treaty is “the cornerstone of global stability and an important condition for the development of the arms reduction process.” The communiqué also stated that the SCO is “against the creation in the Asian and Pacific region of a theater missile defense (TMD) by a small group of states." ["China, Russia, ex-Soviet Republics Denounce ABM Revision Plans,” Kyodo, 15 June 2001 in FBIS JPP20010615000141.]

06/13/2002: The MDA and the U.S. Navy successfully conducted a Sea-Based Midcourse (SMD) test by successfully launching a Raytheon Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) kinetic warhead from the USS Lake Erie. The SM-3 successfully targeted and destroyed a Aries dummy warhead launched from the Pacific Missile Range on Kauai, Hawaii ["Navy Reports Success in Missile Defense Test," New York Times, 14 June 2002.]

06/13/2002: The United States formally withdrew from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. Originally signed in Moscow by President Richard Nixon and Soviet Leader Leonid Brezhnev, The ABM Treaty "barred the nations from putting in place systems capable of defending their territories from intercontinental ballistic missile attacks." [Arshad Mohammed, "US Buries ABM Treaty, Bush Praises Missile Defense," Reuters, 14 June 2002.]

06/01/2002: Following the recommendations of the MDA, the Department of Defense (DoD) has decided not to start a new Navy Area Wide missile defense system.  The MDA has recommended that the Navy Midcourse System be extended down “to cover a lower intercept altitude than had originally been planned.”  U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Edward C. Aldridge gave three (3) reasons not to begin a new Navy Area Wide system: 

1) The U.S. Navy is unlikely to have to defend a base or port where a land based missile defense system is not deployed.

 2) The coverage of the Navy Midcourse can be lowed to intercept low altitude missile threats.

 3) Improvements in the basic Standard Block-4 missile can “increase its performance against some short-range ballistic missile threats." [No Replacement for the Navy Area Defense ARBM Program,” Jane’s Missiles and Rockets, 1 June 2002.]

06/01/2002: During his May 2nd meeting with Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao, President Bush "warned Hu that a further build-up would lead the USA to sell extra arms to Taiwan." This comment was made in reference to the recent "delivery" of Chinese short range missiles near Yongan in Fujian Province. Hu responded by criticizing the "selling of sophisticated weapons to Taiwan." [John Hill, "Bush Criticizes Chinese Missile Deployment", Jane's Intelligence Review, 1 June 2002.]

05/29/2002: A Patriot PAC-3 missiles launched from the Kwajalein Atoll successfully hit a modified Minuteman missile launched from Wake Island.  However, the second PAC-3 launched towards the same target failed to connect. This was the fourth missile defense related operational test of the Lockheed Martin Patriot PAC-3 missile. [Charles Aldinger, "Patriot Missile Test Has Mixed Results in Pacific," Reuters, 29 May 2002.]

04/29/2002: The Washington Times reported that China has transported a new shipment of CSS-6 Mod 2 missiles, and are believed to be headed for the short range missile bases at Leping and Fuzhou opposite Taiwan. This shipment constituted the “fifth or sixth such deliver this year.” US intelligence officials now estimate that China’s military forces now have 350 missiles along the Taiwan Strait. This is up from fewer than 50 short-range missiles in 1996. [Bill Gertz, “Missiles Bolstered Opposite Taiwan,” Washington Times, 29 April 2002, pg. 1.]

04/25/2002: The MDA and the U.S. Army conducted the third operational test of the PAC-3. The test was a “multiple simultaneous engagement using one PAC-3 against a Storm II ballistic missile and a second PAC-3 against a Patriot-as-a-target tactical ballistic missile target.” The test resulted in only one (1) PAC-3 being launched and the Storm II ballistic missile not being engaged. [Missile Defense Agency Press Release, 25 April 2002, Available from http://acq.osd.mil.]

03/21/2002: The MDA and the U.S. Army successfully conducted the second PAC-3 operational test at the White Sands Missile Range. The test involved PAC-2 missiles targeting non-ballistic missile targets and PAC-3 missiles targeting a ballistic missile target. A PAC-2 missile successful destroyed an MQM-107 drone aircraft and the PAC-3 engaged and destroyed a HERA ballistic missile threat. [Missile Defense Agency Press Release, 21 March 2002, Available from http://acq.osd.mil.]

03/17/2002: The Pentagon announced the sixth successful land-based missile defense test was conducted on Friday, 15 March 2002. An interceptor rocket launched from an island in the Pacific Ocean collided with a “modified Minuteman II missile” launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. [Joyce Howard Price, “US Test Missile Hits Warhead; No Decision On Saddam,” The Washington Times, 17 March 2002. pg. 5.]

02/16/2002: The MDA announced the operational test of the PAC-3 system at the White Sands Missile Range. The test involved two (2) PAC-2 missiles and one (1) PAC-3 missile targeting a QF-4 full scale drone aircraft while the other PAC-2 failed to engage its non-ballistic target.  The PAC-3 failed to engage and intercept its cruise missile target. [Missile Defense Agency Press Release, 16 February 2002, Available from http://acq.osd.mil.]

02/02/2002: Early last month China unsuccessfully conducted a fight test “for the purpose of giving MIRV (multiple independently-targeted reentry vehicle) capacities to the Dongfeng 31 (DF-31)” diplomatic sources reported. This test is viewed by western observers as “symbolic of China’s determination to speed up the development and actual deployment of MIRVs that will be effective in penetrating a missile defense network.” [“PRC’s Missile Test Said to Reflect Urgency of MIRV Development Program,” Tokyo Yomiuri Shimbun, 2 February 2002 in FBIS JPP20020204000039.]

01/25/2002: The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) announced a successful sea-based midcourse defense test between the Raytheon Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) launched from a Ticonderoga Class Aegis guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG-70) and Aries ballistic missile target. [Michael Sirak, “Raytheon’s SM-3 Missile Scores Test Success,” Jane’s Defense Weekly, 6 Feburary 2002.]

01/04/2002: According to U.S. officials, China unsuccessfully test fired a re-entry vehicle for the road-mobile DF-31internonntinental ballistic missile long-range missile. “It got off the ground, but there was a mid-flight explosion,” said one U.S. official. [Bill Gertz and Rowan Scarborough, “Inside the Ring: Failed DF-31 Test,” Washington Times, 4 January 2002, pg. 9.]

01/02/2002: U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld formally created the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Formerly known at the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO), the MDA will combine “all aspects of the different missile defense programs (TMD and NMD) into a single program.” This will include “management authority and funding responsibility” for the Air Force’s Space Based Laser, Airborne Laser, and Space Based Infrared System (Low) programs.  The MDA will be responsible for research, development and testing, while the services are responsible for actually procurement of Ballistic Missile Defense Systems (BMDS).  Furthermore, the MDA will not be subject to “traditional reporting about program timelines and costs.” In the memo creating the new agency, Rumsfeld outlined four priorities for the MDA:

1) To defend U.S. deployed forces, allies, and friends;  

2) To deploy a layered defense shield that will be able to engage missiles during the boost, midcourse, and terminal phases of flight;  

3) To deploy components of missile defense “as soon as possible;” and,

 4) To “develop and test technologies, use prototypes and test assets to provide an early capability for the deployment of a ballistic missile shield.”  The director of the MDA is Air Force Lt. General Ronald Kadish.

[Bradley Graham, “Rumsfeld Pares Oversight of Missile Defense Agenct,” Washington Post, 16 Febuary 2002, p.2; Mark Hewish, “Back in the Melting Pot,” International Defense Review, 1 March 2002; “Missle Defense Agency,” Federation of American Scienteiest, Available from http://www.fas.org/ssp/bmd/mda.html.]

2001

12/14/2001: The Pentagon announced  the cancellation of the Navy Area Theater Ballistic Missile Defense System. E.C.. Aldridge, Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics cited "multiple schedule slips and cost overruns associated with Raytheon's Standard Missile (SM)-2 Black IVA missile." The program was running two years behind and 50 percent over budget. Although the Navy Area Program is cancelled, it "doesn't preclude resurrecting a sea-based area defense program using the main elements of the Navy program, such as the Standard Missile and Aegis Weapon System," said a Pentagon official. The Navy Area TBMD system was designed to protect "expeditionary forces and critical areas such as airports, ports, and beachheads. The system was constructed around the Aegis SPY-1 radar and the Standard Missile SM-2 Block IVA missile. [James Dao,  "Navy Missile Defense Plan is Canceled by the Pentagon," New York Times, 16 December 2001; "Pentagon to Consider Resurrecting Navy Area Missile Defense Program," Aerospace Daily, 20 December 2001; Philip Sen and Richard Scott, "Pentagon cancels Navy Area TBMD," Jane's Navy International, 1 March 2002.]

12/13/2001: In response to the US decision to pull out of the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, Russian President Vladimir Putin and China's President Jiang Zemin discussed over the phone the implications for global stability. They agreed to work jointly to prevent a major deterioration of international affairs. ["Putin, China's Jiang discuss US withdrawal from ABM Treaty," Tass, 12/13/2001.]

12/13/2001: China's Foreign Ministry issues a muted response to the US decision to withdraw from the ABM Treaty. The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhang Qiyue stated:

"We have taken note of the reports and express our concern over them. It is of crucial importance to maintain the international disarmament and arms control efforts. China opposes the missile defense system. We are worried about the negative impact of the U.S. move and hope that the U.S. will listen to the opinions of other countries and exercise prudence on the question of missile defense. We maintain that the various sides should hold strategic dialogue to seek ways to maintain the global strategic balance without harming the international disarmament and arms control efforts."

12/13/2001: Hours before the Bush Administration announced its decision to withdraw from the ABM Treaty, President Bush called Jiang Zemin on the phone. Bush offered to hold high-level talks with the Chinese about US missile defense plans.
[David E. Sanger, "Bush Offers China Talks on Arms as U.S. Pulls Out of ABM Treaty," New York Times, December 14, 2001.]

12/03/2001: The Pentagon’s Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) announced another successful missile defense test.  This test was the third successful try in five attempts. BMDO Director Lt. General Ronald Kadish stated that the target missile launched from Vandenberg Air force Base was successfully “killed” by an interceptor missile launched from the Kwajalen Atoll, 4,800 miles away. [Bradley Graham, “Missile Test Interceptor Scores Hit over Pacific,” Washington Post, 4 December 2001, pg. 4.]

11/28/2001: On October 22, while returning from the APEC meeting in Shanghai, Secretary of State Colin Powell described Chinese officials as "rather subdued" in their discussions on missile defense. Powell stated that missile defense was discussed,  but there "wasn't a lingering conversation."  Neither Bush or Chinese President Jiang Zemin mentioned the issue of missile defense during the press conference following their October 19th meeting.  In a Chinese Foreign Ministry's summary of the two leader's talks, the issue of Taiwan was seen as the "most sensitive" issue in US-China relations. In response to a US intelligence assessment conducted more than a year ago warning that China could respond to US missile Defense by "expanding tenfold its current arsenal of some 20 long range ballistic missiles, Colin Powell stated, " I have seen nothing to suggest that the Chinese are so concerned about missile defense that they are poised for a break out...that they would significantly by factors of two, three, four, or five increase the numbers of their intercontinental ballistic missiles in order to get through the shield."  Further more, Powell hoped the Chinese saw that the missile defense plan was being developed against specific kinds of threats, and that they would "not find the need to explode the size of their arsenal."

While the issue of missile defense was played down at the APEC summit, China has been outspoken at the Unites Nations. On October 10, China co-sponsored a resolution with Russia and Belarus supporting the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.  On October 9, during a UN First Committee speech Chinese Ambassador Hu Xiaodi called on the US to stop development on its missile defense plans, calling it "destabilizing." ["Powell Says China 'Subdued' About Missile Defense," Arms Control Today, November 2001. online at http://www.armscontrol.org/act/2001_11/chinanov01.asp] 

10/19/2001: The BMDO and the U.S. Army successfully conducted the final test of the PAC-3 Missile Development Test Phase. The test involved a PAC-3 engaging and destroying a low altitude cruise missile target, and a PAC-2 intercepting a drone aircraft target. The Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOTE) phase is scheduled to begin in January 2002. [U.S. Army Press Release, “PAC-3 Intercept Test a Success,” 19 October 2001, Available from http://www.acq.osd.mil.]

09/05/2001: September: In a statement, White House Spokesman Ari Fleischer said the US will continue to “oppose China’s buildup of nuclear missiles and its resumption of nuclear testing.” Fleischer stated, “The US will not seek to overcome China’s objection to missile defense by telling the Chinese that we do not object to an expansion of their ballistic missile force.” [“US Reaffirms Opposition to China’s Nuclear Buildup,” Tokyo Kyodo, 5 September 2001 in FBIS JPP20010905000062.]

08/29/2001: The Singapore Times reported that the PRC successfully tested three (3) Julang-21A submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) during military exercises in Fujian Province. In addition, the PLA also test-fired the latest Dongfeng-31 ICBM and the Navy test fired for the first time Hongniao-2 cruise missiles. “Meanwhile, advanced airborne warning and control system aircraft and airborne refueling planes were also deployed during the exercise.” (This report is unsubstantiated and appears to be incorrect.) [“Chinese Subs Score 3 missile hits in war games,” Singapore Times, 29 August 2001.]

08/28/2001: The Washington Times reported that China has added more than 30 new CSS-6 and CSS-7 missiles opposite Taiwan. China now has an estimated 350 short range missiles deployed across the Taiwan Straits. US spy satellites have “identified…launch pads that were recently constructed and identified…near the towns of Jiangshan and Yongan.” [Bill Gertz, “China Adds To Missiles Near Taiwan: US Finds New Short-Range Arms,” The Washington Times, 28 August 2001, pg. 1.]

08/09/2001: During an interview with the New York Times, China's President Jiang Zemin answered questions about US missile defense plans and China's reaction to it.

Q: Regarding missile defense: is it a threat to China? You have only 20 or 25 missiles able to hit the United States. If we put a shield up, you're out of business.

A: To be frank, it seems that you know how many missiles we have better than I do. I have to say that I have doubts about whether the figure you give is the correct one or not. But let me be clear about one thing, the purpose of our possession of weapons is not for offensive purposes, they are all for our own defense. So we would keep an appropriate number of weapons to meet our defense needs.

Q: If the United States does go ahead with this system, would China be forced to upgrade its nuclear force in response?

A: I think I already addressed this question. We would increase our defense capability in keeping with the development of the international situation, and we would do this for the sole purpose of self-defense. As to when and how we are going to do this, as the chairman of the central military commission, I cannot tell the details. I just want to add how much I hope that the world in the 21st century we will have a peaceful and prosperous world. ["In Jiang's Words: I Hope the Western World Can Understand China Better," New York Times, 9 August 2001.]

07/28/2001: U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell gave a press conference on his meetings with top Chinese officials, including President Jiang Zemin.   With respect to missile defense, Powell said that he tried to frame U.S. development of a missile defense system as part of restructured strategic architecture that has made "old concepts and old treaties... not relevant to the present".  He tried to assure the Chinese delegation that a missile defense system would not threaten the strategic deterrents of either Russia or China.  Powell stated that there had been no formal discussion by either side to negotiate offensive or defensive missile systems, but that the build- up of Chinese missiles on the Fujian coast was discussed within the context of Taiwan's defensive needs.  Powell said that such build- ups shift the balance along the Taiwanese Strait, and require the US to take "a hard look when examining arms sales".  Powell recognized that the Chinese maintained a different view on these issues, and that further consultations would be needed. ["Transcript: Secretary Powell Press Conference in Beijing July 28," State Department Washington File, 28 July 2001] [Full Text]

07/18/2001:  Agence France Presse reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia was not planning to present a joint response with the PRC to US plans to abandon the 1972 ABM treaty and build a missile defense shield.  Putin said, "As for a possible joint Russo-Chinese response to the US move--each country can decide what to do on its own.  It is possible in principle.  But in practice, we do not plan a joint response with any country, including China.  Russia is strong enough to respond on its own to any changes in the sphere of strategic stability.  We are prepared for all developments."  ["Putin Says No Joint Russia- Chinese Response To US Missile Plan," Agence France Presse, 18 July 2001.]

07/16/2001:  Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the "Joint Statement of Chinese and Russian Heads of State"; a nine- point document dealing with a variety of issues including defense.  The document affirmed China and Russia's similar belief in the importance of the following issues:
 

"Strengthening global and regional strategic stability, preserving the treaties signed in the spheres of arms control and disarmament, pushing forward the process of preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their carrying vehicles, stopping the proliferation of weapons in the outer space, and safeguarding the interests of all countries without exception."

Both leaders reiterated their positions expressed in the "Joint Statement on the Issue of Antiballistic Missiles" signed in July 2000, which highlighted the importance of the ABM treaty as the foundation of strategic stability and offensive strategic weapons reductions.  In an effort to preserve the ABM treaty, the international community must increase its efforts to stem the proliferation of missiles and missile technology while exploring an equitable and nondiscriminatory global system of missile proliferation prevention involving all relevant nations.

The leaders reaffirmed the importance of preventing the weaponization of outer space, calling for multilateral talks and the establishment of a special committee to negotiate the prevention of an arms race in space.  Both heads of state reiterated their commitment to urging the international community to join the NPT and called for the reactivation of disarmament talks concerning the ban of fission material production for nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosion devices.  ["'Text' of Joint Statement Issued by Jiang Zemin, Putin in Moscow," Xinhua, 16 July 2001 in FBIS CPP20010716000120.]

07/14/2001: The BMDO announced a successful test of a planned intercept between an ICBM launched from Vandenberg A.F.B. and a prototype interceptor launched from the Ronald Reagan Missile Site on Kwajalein Atoll. This was the second successful test of an exoatmospheric kill vehicle (EKV) using “hit-to-kill” technology. [U.S. Department of Defense Press Release, “Missile Intercept Test Successful,” 15 July 2001, Available from http://www.defenselink.mil.]

07/2001: The Washington Times has reported that the Chinese military’s Second Artillery unit have begun “crew training” for the DF-31. Furthermore, a classified U.S. Intelligence report predicts that the DF-31 will be operational by the end of 2001. [Bill Gertz, “China Ready to Deploy its First ICBMs,” Washington Times, 6 September 2001, pg. 1.]

06/15/2001:  Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Deguang said that the heads of state present at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit meeting reached a consensus agreement that continued efforts must be made to safeguard global strategic balance and stability in the face of NMD development. ["PRC Vice Foreign Minister Says SCO Summit 'Full Success', Comments on NMD Issue," Xinhua, 15 June 2001 in FBIS CPP20010615000137.]

06/14/2001:  Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao stated that during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, Jiang Zemin gave his full backing to Vladimir Putin on NMD. He said:

"Putin reiterated Russia's principle and stance on the missile defense issue. Jiang expressed the view that China will continue to support Russia's efforts in maintaining global strategic stability," Zhu told reporters. ["AFP: PRC FM Spokesman Zhu Says Jiang Zemin Gives 'Full Backing' to Putin on NMD," Hong Kong AFP, 14 June 2001 in FBIS CPP20010614000122.]

05/22/2001:  The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry told RIA that on 21 May, the directors of the disarmament departments of the Russian and Chinese Foreign Ministries had once again confirmed their opposition to the plans for developing "a global missile defense system" banned by the 1972 ABM Treaty, and said that they did not consider the arguments put forward by the proponents of these plans to be convincing.  The sides informed each other of the consultations they had had with the USA and other relevant countries on the issues of strategic stability and nonproliferation. The Russian Foreign Ministry said the parties had stressed that their views on the most important aspects of the issues discussed were either very close or identical. They also outlined joint and parallel steps aimed at preserving the arms limitation and reduction architecture that was created through joint efforts by the whole of the international community in the recent years. ["Russian, Chinese diplomats confirm opposition to NMD plans," Moscow RIA, 22 May 2001  in FBIS CEP20010522000180.]

05/15/2001:  During the Chinese foreign ministry's regular bi-weekly briefing, spokesman Sun Yuxi spoke out against US plans for an anti- missile defense system:

"This plan does not help the US side and it also harms the interests of other countries.  It will endanger strategic balance and stability, and will also trigger a new arms race in the world."

Despite US Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly's recent attempts to soften China's opposition to National Missile Defense, China's opposition is resolute:

"Once you've invented a new spear, you of course will invent a new shield, and once you have invented a new shield, you invent new types of spears," he said. "It's always going on like that."

The spokesman said China was even more opposed to the Theater Missile Defense, especially if it were to cover Taiwan:

"(Inclusion of Taiwan) constitutes interference in China's internal affairs and will surely be met with firm opposition from the Chinese side.  Since NMD is still in the process of being discussed, and has not been put in place, we will not talk about any concrete actions taken that would constitute any threat," said Sun. ["PRC FM Spokesman: NMD To Trigger Arms Race; Including Taiwan Interferes With PRC Affairs," Hong Kong AFP, 15 May 2001 in FBIS CPP20010515000099.]

05/15/2001:  Before talks had ended with James Kelly, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Sun Yuxi stated, "China's constant position is unchanged. We are opposed to the national defense system because it destroys the global strategic balance and upsets international stability." In addition Sun warned that "China will not just wait idly and see its national interest being undermined." The Washington Post observed that "in an apparent departure form previous Foreign Ministry statements, Sun said China is 'more opposed' to TMD because such a system would undermine the balance of power in Asia." This seems to contradict the statement given by Sha Zukang in March. [Phillip Pan, "China Firm on Missile Defense Opposition: US Envoy Pushes Plan in Beijing," Washington Post, 16 May 2001, 19.]

05/10/2001:  Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi said China is willing to negotiate with the United States on TMD and NMD if the U.S. sends officials to China to discuss the missile defense systems.  Sun remained opposed to TMD and NMD implementation, pointing out that the Anti-ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM) serves as the cornerstone of global strategic balance and stability, and the TMD and NMD initiatives will definitely ruin this balance and lead to another arms race.  The spokesman urged the U.S. to adopt a cautious attitude toward the issue and observe the ABM and other related arms- control treaties and agreements. ["PRC FM Spokeswoman: China Willing To Negotiate With U.S. On TMD, NMD After Discussion," Xinhua, 10 May 2001 in FBIS CPP20010510000120.]

04/10/2001:  At the 2001 Disarmament Commission held at the UN headquarters in New York, Chinese ambassador for disarmament Hu Xiaodi said:

The US promotion of the NMD system is a unilateral nuclear arms expansion in disguised form, which will seriously impeded the progress of international arms control and disarmament, and will possibly trigger a new round of arms race…  A relative stability in balance of power among major countries in the world, and the global strategic stability based on this balance of power is the premise and condition for attainment of progress in the arms control process related to international disarmament. A relevant country owns the world's most advanced nuclear arsenal and the most sophisticated conventional weapons at the present time, and abides by a nuclear deterrence policy with the core of being the first to use nuclear weapons. Under this condition, the NMD system will definitely become a multiplier of offensive weapons for this country, which will not only seriously hinder the development of the nuclear disarmament process advocated by the United States, Russia and the whole world, but will also render any proposals on reduction of offensive nuclear weapons meaningless.

The US promotion of the NMD system will seriously damage the global strategic balance and stability, and harm the mutual trust and cooperation among major powers…  In order to develop and deploy the NMD system, the United States must surmount the Anti-missile Treaty first. Indeed, the Anti-missile Treaty is a product of the Cold War. However, like all other arms control treaties, what the Anti-missile Treaty reflects is a relationship of interdependence between the two signing parties in terms of security. This relationship did not disappear due to the end of the Cold War; instead, the relationship has been further strengthened due to the arrival of globalization.

The US promotion of the NMD system will also seriously damage the anti-proliferation mechanism and related efforts. Weapons of mass destruction and proliferation of missiles is a complicated global issue. The establishment of the NMD system is not favorable for the resolution of this issue; instead, it will stimulate further proliferation of missiles, which will in turn upset the foundation of the international anti-proliferation mechanism.

The US practice is unfavorable for safeguarding the international peace and security. No matter whether the United States can truly posses the missile defense capability, the US practice will further encourage the use of unilateralism and the trend of using force or threat of using force on the part of the United States in its handling of international affairs, which will further increase the factors of instability in the world and relevant areas.

The practice of introducing the theater missile defense [TMD] system into the Asia-pacific region by making the TMD system part of the NMD system is unfavorable for the peace and security in the region. Recently, with joint efforts of relevant countries, some hot spots in the Asia-pacific region have seen lowering temperatures. In particular, the peace process on the Korean Peninsula has obtained a historical breakthrough. Introduction of the TMD system into the Asia-pacific region will only add new complications and confrontation factors to this region. ["PRC Disarmament Envoy Says NMD Upsets Basis of Nuclear Disarmament," Xinhua, 10 April 2001 in FBIS CPP20010410000237.] [Full Text Speech]

03/15/2001: During a press conference in Beijing, Admiral Dennis Blair said in reference to Sha's earlier remarks on NMD discussions, "I welcome any more sophisticated discussion of these kinds of systems."  Blair went on to say, "When I discussed these systems with Chinese officials on past visits, I didn't get much of a sense that they were drawing distinctions.  Anything that had an MD in it was bad, and anything that didn't was considered good." ["U.S. Applauds China Shift on Missile Defense," Reuters, 15 March 2001 in Inside China Today <www.insidechina.com/news.php3?id-310874>]

03/14/2001: Sha Zukang said in reference to NMD, "We are ready to have dialogue....we are ready to talk to them [the United States]."["China Wants Defense Talks with US," The Associated Press, 14 March 2001.]

03/14/2001: During a press briefing on NMD in Beijing, Sha Zukang said, "We are against NMD, not because we intend to threaten the security of the US with our nuclear weapons, we just hope that the existing mutual deterrence between the two countries can be preserved."  Sha went on to say, "Chin will not allow its legitimate means of self-defense to be weakened or even taken away by anyone in anyway.  This is one of the most important aspects of China's national security."  Sha gave two reasons for China's opposition to NMD.  "[Firstly, we don't believe that NMD is in the interest of international peace and security as a whole; secondly, it will compromise China's security."  With regard to the NMD debate at the international level, Sha said, "The international debate around the NMD issue is, in essence, about what kind of international order should be established, and a choice between unipolar and multipolar world." ["PRC FM Disarmament Envoy Sha Zukang Comments on US NMD Program, TMD," Beijing Xinhua, 14 March 2001 in FBIS CPP20010314000117.]

02/21/2001: China Daily on-line reports Sha Zukang warned that deployment of NMD is akin to "drinking poison to quench thirst...It cannot solve the problem.  Instead, it will undercut the very foundation of the international non-proliferation regime, and even stimulate further proliferation of missiles." ["Chinese Official: US Over-exaggerates Missile Threat in Developing NMD," China Daily on-line <http://www.chinadaily.net/highlights/nmd/221ott.html>.]

02/15/2001: Before the Conference on Disarmament, Hu Xiaodi closed his statement saying"

"Undoubtedly, international arms control and disarmament efforts were currently at a crossroad.  The most outstanding menace came from the attempts to overthrow the ABM Treaty and weaponize outer space.  Under such circumstances, to formulate a comprehensive and balance programme of work and start negotiations on such issues as prevention of an arms race in outer space, nuclear disarmament, a fissile material cut-off treaty and negative security assurances was not only the obligation of the CD, but also the only possible way to break the current stalemate and achieve progress.  China supported the Amorim proposal as a basis for further consultations." Press Release: Conference on Disarmament Hears Statements from Myanmar, New Zealand, Malaysia, Sweden, China, The United States and Germany

02/15/2001: During a press conference in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said, "The issue of the missile proliferation should be settled through political and diplomatic means on the basis of respecting ABM treaty and safeguarding the global strategic balance." ["China Urges Caution on US Missile Defence Plans," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 17 February 2001.]

01/26/2001: The U.S. Navy conducted a successful Theater Wide (NTW) missile defense test. The test involved the successful flight test of the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3). [U.S. Department of Defense, “Navy Completes Successful Theater Wide Missile Defense Test,” 26 January 2001, Available in http://wwwdefenselink.mil.]

2000

12/2000:  China successfully conducted a flight test of the DF-31. [David J. Smith, “Some Ballistic Missile Developments since the Rumsfeld Commission Report,” National Institute of Public Policy, 2002.]

11/03/2000:  The First Committee of the United Nations adopted a resolution calling for united efforts to strengthen the ABM treaty.  The adopted resolution was proposed by Belarus, China and Kyrgyzstan.  The resolution was approved by a vote of 78 in favor, 3 against with 65 abstentions.  The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said, "The passing of the resolution demonstrates the opposition of the international community to the development and deployment of national National Missile Defense system (NMD) that would destroy the global strategic balance."

Zhu expressed China's hope that the ABM Treaty will be strictly observed and that plans for developing an anti-ballistic missile defense should be abandoned as soon as possible.  China also hopes that countries concerned will pay close attention to the just voice of the international community. [Sources: Hu Qihua, "Countries Called on to Comply with Missile Systems Treaty," China Daily on-line (www.chinadaily.com), 3 November 2000; "China FM Spokesman on UN Resolution on ABM Treaty," Beijing Xinhua 2 November 2000, in FBIS CPP2000110200081.]

11/2000: China successfully conducted a flight test of the DF-31. [David J. Smith, “Some Ballistic Missile Developments since the Rumsfeld Commission Report,” National Institute of Public Policy, 2002.]

10/18/2000:  In a speech before the First Committee on Disarmament and International Security at the United Nations assessed the risks to weakening or abandoning the ABM treaty.  Chinese Ambassador for disarmament affairs Hu Xiaodi said, "Weakening and scrapping the 'ABM' Treaty and developing and deploying the NMD system will entail a series of very serious consequences.  Global strategic balance and stability will be undermined.  Mistrust among countries will increase.  The multilateral and bilateral arms control and disarmament process will be impeded.  International efforts to prevent arms proliferation will be hampered.  Armament in outer space and a new arms race will take place."

Hu went on to address the relationship between strategic stability and the maintenance of the ABM treaty.  Hu said,

"The Chinese delegation maintains that security is always mutual.  At present, the common security interests of various countries in the world and the challenges facing them have constantly increased.  The significance and influence of the "ABM" Treaty, as a cornerstone of global strategic stability, have gone far beyond the bilateral relationship between Russia and the United States.  They are closely linked with the security interests of all countries.  Once the NMD system is deployed, the results in bilateral and multilateral disarmament and arms control obtained over the past several years will be destroyed in one day.  With the destruction of global strategic stability, unilateralism in international relations will increase.  There will be more unstable factors in both global and regional security.  At that time, all countries, whether they are small or big and whether or not they are signatory states of the "ABM" Treaty will be affected.  Therefore, maintaining the completeness and effectiveness of the treaty and urging the relevant countries to give up the deployment of the NMD system conform to the common interests of all members of the international community." ["PRC Disarmament Ambassador Hu Xiaodi Calls for Observing 'ABM Treaty'," Beijing Xinhua Domestic Service in Chinese, 19 October 2000 in FBIS CPP20001019000012.]

10/16/2000:  Hu Xiaodi, the Chinese ambassador on disarmament, called for concrete efforts to promote nuclear disarmament at the First Committee of the 55th General Assembly.  Hu said, "Efforts must be made to overcome negative elements in order to ensure the right direction in nuclear disarmament.  This is essential to the realization of the goal to build a nuclear-weapon-free world at an early date."  The ambassador outlined six principles on the matter of nuclear disarmament.  They are as follows:

"First, the countries with the biggest nuclear arsenals should bear the special and primary responsibility in nuclear disarmament.  They should continue their efforts aimed at shrinking their respective nuclear arsenal remarkably.

The country who deploys nuclear weapons overseas should withdraw such weapons back to its territories, and efforts must be made to do away with the policy and practice of 'nuclear umbrella' and 'the sharing of nuclear weapons'.

Secondly, all nuclear weapon states should make clear-cut commitments that they will not be the first to use nuclear weapons under any circumstances, and that they will not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones under any circumstances.

Nuclear weapon states should start negotiations to conclude binding international legal documents in this regard.

Thirdly, the strengthening of strategic stability is an essential condition for promoting nuclear disarmament.  At the present, the most important thing is to strictly abide by the ABM treaty.  The international community needs to begin talks on relevant legal documents in order to comprehensively prevent the weaponization of outer space.

Fourth, the international community should take concerted efforts to urge those countries who remain out of the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to enter into the treaty as soon as possible.

Fifth, nuclear weapon states, on the basis of the commitment not to be the first to use nuclear weapons, should reach agreement through negotiations on 'the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons.'

Sixth, on the basis of safeguarding international strategic stability and under the guarantee that the security of each country should not be weakened, the international community should conclude through negotiations 'the Convention on the Total Ban of Nuclear Weapons.'

In closing Hu said, "China is determined to spare no efforts to promote the above mentioned principles and measures and the Chinese delegation will support all ideas and proposals which are conducive to the realization of a nuclear-weapon-free world as soon as possible." ["China Call for Specific Efforts to Promote Nuclear Disarmament," Beijing Xinhua, 16 October 2000 in FBIS CPP20001016000277.]

10/14/2000:  The BMDO and the U.S. Army successfully conducted a test of the PAC-3 Missile. The PAC-3 missile engaged and destroyed a “tactical ballistic missile reentry vehicle” while simultaneously a PAC-2 engaged and “damaged” a MQM-107 drone. [U.S. Army Press Release, “PAC-3 Intercept Test a Success,” 14 October 2000, Available in http://www.acq.osd.mil.]

10/07/2000:  The North Korean Minju Joson Today printed a signed commentary that read, "[T]he incoherent U.S. deeds concerning the 'NMD' system fully show its outrageous and shameless attempt to realize its ambition for domination over the world.  The U.S. moves to establish the 'NMD' system aimed at military domination over the world are protested and rejected not only in the world but at home."  The commentary went on to point out, "[T]he U.S. should clearly see the trend of the times before making its choice.  Belated lamentation avails nothing. If the U.S. truly wants peace and security, it should immediately stop its anachronistic moves to establish the 'NMD' system." ["DPRK's KCNA Decries US Moves to Establish NMD," KCNA, 7 October 2000 in FBIS KPP20001007000059.]

09/29/2000:  Ming Pao reports that efforts to implement the building the "Shenzhen and Hong Kong Air Defense Zone" are being intensified.  The decision was made by the CCP Central Military Commission.  Two artillery brigades will be transferred from the north to Guangdong.  The brigades will be deployed in Shenzhen, Daya Bay and near Hong Kong.  The brigades will be garrisoned around Huizhou and Zhuhai.  Organization of the unit will be at the military level and will be attached to the Air Force of the Guangzhou Military Region.  The unit will deploy anti-aircraft batteries and the S-300 ground-to-air missile system. ["Building of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Missile Defense Accelerated," Ming Pao web site in BBC, 2 October 2000.]

09/21/2000:  Addressing the closing meeting of the 2000 year session of the Conference on Disarmament, Chinese Ambassador Hu Xiaodi refuted arguments that NMD is intended to counter threats from "states of concern," as those states will pose no military threat for the foreseeable future.  And more importantly, there is no motivation to attack the militarily most powerful country in the world. ["Chinese Ambassador Reaffirms Stand Against Outer Space Arms Race," Beijing Xinhua in English, 21 September 2000 in FBIS CPP20000921000159.]

09/14/2000:  Referring to President Clinton's deferral of a decision to deploy NMD, Chinese Ambassador Hu Xiaodi said before the Conference on Disarmament, "The U.S. president has instructed the continued development and testing of NMD.  The international community should be clear about this fact."  U.S. diplomats responded by suggesting that China among other nations are using objections to the NMD issue as smoke screen to create "utter paralysis blocking disarmament negotiations.  Furthermore, U.S. Ambassador Robert T. Grey said, "I'm puzzled at the intensity of the concerns that have been expressed."  Grey stressed that Washington views the proposed amendments to the ABM treaty as updating the treaty and would not destroy it.  On this point Grey said, "If the ABM regime were to fail, the responsibility for that and for all the results that might ensue would rest with those who were insisting the regime had to remain static and could not be adapted to meet current realities." [Geir Moulson, "China Blasts Proposed U.S. Missile Defense Despite Clinton Deferral," The Associated Press, 14 September 2000.]

09/04/2000: Interfax News Agency reports an unidentified source in the Russian delegation to Japan that Tokyo is interested in finding a political method for the non deployment of missile defense systems. ["Tokyo Interested in Finding Method for Non-Deployment of National Missile-Defense Systems-Russian Expert," Interfax News Agency Daily News Bulletin no. 4, 4 September 2000.]

09/04/2000: According to Japanese Defense Agency Deputy Director-General Ken Sato, the postponement of the national missile defense system by the United States will not affect the U.S.-Japan joint theater missile program.  The Tokyo Jiji Press quotes Sato saying, "The NMD's delay will not have any impact on the Japan-U.S. theater missile defense program, since the purpose and technologies of the TMD are totally different from those of the NMD." ["Defense Agency Official: NMD Delay to Have No Impact on Japan-US Missile Plan," Tokyo Jiji Press in English, 0855 GMT 4 September 2000 in FBIS JPP20000904000029.]

08/31/2000: The Taipei Times reports that during simulations conducted at the "Hengshan" strategic command center the military indirectly appealed for an increase in funding for the Taiwan anti-ballistic missile system (ATBM).  An official observing the simulation remarked, "...development of Taiwan's anti-ballistic missile system was at a standstill, and the system was needed to defend against China's M-class missiles."  The official went on to say, "There are of course, other factors hindering the progress of the program.  Interservice rivalry is and will remain one of the greatest obstacles to the program whenever it is funded sufficiently." [Brian Hsu, "Tight Budget Stalls Taiwan's Anti-Missile Work," Taipei Times, 31 August 2000, in FBIS CPP20000831000151.]

08/24/2000: The U.S. Navy conducted the second successful test of the Navy Area Theater Ballistic Missile Defense system. The test involved the SM-2 Block IVA flight performance and did not require a target missile. [U.S. Navy Press Release, “Navy Area Theater Ballistic Missile Defense Program Completes Second Flights Test of the SM-2 Block IVA Missile, 24 August 2000.]

08/16/2000: Inside China Today Daily News reports that Taiwan military experts support an increase in the anti-missile defense budget in an effort to counter China's modernization of its ballistic missile forces.  Chang Ching, a Taiwan navy captain who teaches strategy at the National Defense University is quoted as saying,

"M-class missiles pose the greatest threat to Taiwan as they are the most cost-effective way of launching strikes against our major cities, military bases, infrastructure and airports.  Because of the proximity between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, we are in a less favorable position in terms of anti defense.  The PAC-2 and Sky Bow II systems can only provide single layer anti-missile protection.  We need to upgrade our system.  We need a bigger budget to accomplish that." ["Taiwan Experts Want Bigger Anti-Missile Budget," Reuters, 16 August 2000, reported in Inside China Today Daily News on-line (www.insidechina.com/news.php3?id-189521.]

07/29/2000: During the final press conference of the ASEAN ministerial meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan took the opportunity to comment on the U.S. proposed missile defense plan.  Tang remarked, "We believe this idea of the United States' will inevitably support a new round of arms race and will compromise international peace and stability.  This issue is by no means a dispute between China and the United States, but between the United States and the international community." Doug Struck, "Asian Forum Ends in Chorus of Criticism of U.S. Missile Defense Plan," The Washington Post, 30 July 2000, p. 32.]

07/23/2000: Rodolfo Severino, Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) stated in Bangkok before a press conference prior to the 33rd ASEAN ministerial meeting on the issue of theater missile defense that, "ASEAN is against any development that would tend to destabilize the situation or lead to a development that destabilizes the situation.  I am not saying that the TMD would necessarily do that but this is the extent of  ASEAN's position at this time."["ASEAN Signals Opposition to U.S-Planned Missile Shield," Tokyo Kyodo in English 1358 GMT 23 July 2000, in FBIS JPP20000723000118.]

07/22/2000: The BMDO and the U.S. Army conducted a successful PAC-3 missile defense test. The test involved the PAC-3 engaging and destroying a “low altitude cruise missile target” represented by a MQM-107 “Streaker” drone. [U.S. Army Press Release, “PAC-3 Intercept Test a Success,” 22 July 2000, Available from http://www.acq.osd.mil.] 

07/18/2000: China and Russia registered their objections to the proposed U.S. missile defense system with the issuance of the Joint Statement by the Presidents of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Anti-Missile Defense.  Russia and China stated their objections to the U.S. missile defense system on the following grounds,

"...the US programme to establish national missile defense, a system prohibited under the ABM Treaty, has aroused grave concern.  China and Russia hold that this programme is, in essence, aimed at seeking unilateral military and security superiority.  Such a programme, if implemented, will give rise to most serious negative consequences on the security of not only Russia, China and other countries, but the United States itself and global strategic stability as well.  In this context, China and Russia have registered their unequivocal opposition to the above programme."

The Joint Declaration also addressed the issue of "non-strategic" missile defense cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and its impact on security in the region.  The text reads,

"Non-strategic missile defense and international cooperation in this field, though not prohibited under the ABM Treaty, should nevertheless not prejudice the security interests of other countries, lead to the establishment or strengthening of exclusive military or political blocs, or undermine global or regional stability and security.  Based on this position, China and Russia express their grave concern about and firm opposition to certain countries pursuit of the programme aimed at deploying such non-strategic missile defense systems in the Asia-Pacific region with the above mentioned negative impact.  Any attempt to incorporate, in any way, Taiwan into a foreign missile defense system will be unacceptable, as it will seriously undermine the stability of the region."

07/13/2000: Sha Zukang issued the following statements in reference to US intentions to move forward with the development of the national missile defense system.  "If NMD is established, China will not sit on its hands and do nothing while watching its security breached.  But, "if established, China will not have a race with anyone, we have no capability to race with anyone."  Clarification on China's response should the US build NMD was unavailable.  Sha made his remarks while US Secretary of Defense William Cohen was in Beijing briefing Chinese political and military leaders on US intentions to build a national missile defense system. ["China to Counter US Missile Defense But Not With Arms Race," Hong Kong AFP in English, 0946 GMT 13 July 2000, in FBIS CPP20000713000088.]

07/08/2000: The NMD Program office announced a failed test of a “hit-to-kill” planned intercept between an intercontinental ballistic missile launched from Vandenberg A.F.B. and a prototype intercept missile. “An intercept was not achieved due to an apparent failure of the interceptor’s kill vehicle to separate from the interceptor’s second stage rocket.” [U.S. Department of Defense, “National Missile Defense Conducts Intercept Test,” 8 July 2000, Available from http://www.defenselink.mil.]

06/29/2000: The BMDO and the U.S. Navy conducted the first successful flight test of the Navy Area Ballistic Missile Defense (TBMD) Program. The test was “an engineering evaluation” of the Standard-2 (SM-2) Block IVA TMBD. The test did not involve the use of a target. [U.S. Navy Press Release, “Navy Successfully Conducts First Flight of Area TBMD Missile,” 29 June 2000, Available from http://www.acq.osd.mil.]

06/09/2000:  White House spokesman Joe Lockhart made reference to a fifteen-minute telephone conversation between US President Bill Clinton and Russian President Vladimir Putin about missile defense.  Lockhart said that Putin’s European antiballistic missile defense proposal from last week's meeting between the two leaders was discussed.  According to Xinhua, US Secretary of Defense William Cohen announced in Brussels on Friday that the proposal was not feasible and could not provide protection for either the US or Europe.  Cohen is expected to meet Russian Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev on Monday. [“Clinton, Putin Speak  on Phone Over Missile Defense”, Xinhua, 9 June 2000 in FBIS CPP20000609000154.] 

06/06/2000: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, Zhang Qiyue, stated that China  opposes a joint Russian and European anti-missile system.  The Russian proposal is in response to US efforts to develop missile defense in case of possible rogue state attacks.  Zhang also stated, "Any efforts to amend the ABM treaty or to withdraw from it would not only threaten the nuclear disarmament process but would also shake the basis for nuclear non-proliferation and would give rise to a new round of arms race, including an arms race in outer space." ["Beijing Hints Opposition To A Russian-European Anti-Missile System," Inside China Today, 6 June 2000.]

05/29/2000: Hong Kong iMail reported that Chinese and Russian strategists and arms experts have met several times in Beijing and Moscow to discuss joint research and development of military equipment, including improvements to the Russian S-300, a Russian anti-aircraft/missile system similar to the US Patriot missile, and countermeasures against missile defenses. [Cary Huang, “China, Russia ‘Eye Arms Pact,’” Hong Kong iMail (internet version), 29 May 2000 in FBIS CPP20000529000032, 29 May 2000.]

05/29/2000: The People’s Liberation Army Daily reported that China has successfully developed and tested a mobile, single-man operated surface-to-air missile that can shoot down cruise missiles. [“China Claims Success of New Anti-Missile Weapon,” AFP,  30 May 2000.]

05/28/2000: The New York Times reported that a US official admitted that a proposed US missile defense program would significantly lessen the effectiveness of China’s nuclear arsenal, thus causing China to develop more and better arms, and subsequently causing its rivals (India and Pakistan) to do the same.  The official also stated that China could modify their existing 18 CSS-4 to carry four warheads instead of one.  If the US moves forward with its missile defense program, the official continued, China could deploy over 200 warheads by 2015, which is more than the estimated tens of missiles predicted by a February 2000 National Intelligence Council report.  Although the Pentagon insists that the US missile defense program is not directed towards China, a 1993 US Army document reveals that an American military contractor, TRW, was instructed by the Bush administration to develop ground-based inceptors that could stop attacks by China. [Michael Gordon and Steven Lee Myers, "Risk of Arms Race Seen In U.S. Design of Missile Defense," New York Times, 28 May 2000.]

05/11/2000: In response to Sha Zukang’s comments in a 11 May 2000 Associated Press article, a US State Department official stated, "whether or not we proceed with national missile defense, China’s nuclear forces would expand in a way that would make this system less threatening to China."  However, the official did admit that the US and China had not adequately discussed the issue, stating, "We haven't had the kind of deep national security or international security dialogue with China that we would like to have for the last couple of years because of the continuing fallout from the embassy bombing." Jane Perlez, "China Likely To Modernize Nuclear Arms, US Believes," The New York Times, 11 May 2000, p. 11.]

05/11/2000: In an Associated Press interview, China’s director-general of the Department of Arms Control and Disarmament, Sha Zukang, stated that a US NMD system "could neutralize" China's "very small arsenal" and "will have a serious effect and therefore it could affect China's security." Sha also stated that China had three ways to respond to a US NMD deployment: increase the number of warheads, improve the accuracy of Chinese warheads or develop countermeasures, but said that no decision has been made on how China will respond.

Sha also added that China did not want to devote resources to countering missile defenses as China is still a developing country.  Sha stated, "Those are the last things we want to do.  China is a developing country.  We still have millions of people living under the poverty line.  That's why we are strongly advising the Americans not to go ahead with this program.  It's not in their interest.  It's certainly not in China's interest.  It's not in anybody's interest."

When asked about US assurances that a NMD system is not directed at China, Sha replied, "They have assured us it is not directed at China.  For that we are grateful, we are happy. But China cannot base its security on assurances only. . . We cannot sit on our hands, watching our interests compromised, security interests compromised.  Impossible."  Sha also added that China and Russia "are working together, consulting with each other how to confront that situation." [John Leicester, "Official: US missile shield could force China to deploy more warheads," The Associated Press, 11 May 2000.]

05/19/2000: Interfax reported that Russia and China held consultations on cooperation on missile defenses from 16-19 May 2000.  The two sides “exchanged opinions on various aspects of the situation surrounding the ABM Treaty in view of US plans to create a national ABM defense system banned by the treaty.” [Russian and Chinese Experts Discuss Bilateral Cooperation in ABM Field," Interfax, 19 May 2000.]

05/01/2000:  In a collective statement by the UN five nuclear weapon states at the 2000 NPT Review Conference, the five states jointly declared, “We look forward to the conclusion of START III as soon as possible while preserving and strengthening the ABM Treaty as a cornerstone of strategic stability and as a basis for further reductions of strategic offensive weapons, in accordance with its provisions.” [Collective Statement by the UN permanent Five Nuclear Weapon States, The 2000 NPT Review Conference (RevCom), 14 April- 20 May 2000, New York.]

04/14/2000: In a China Daily article, China’s director-general of the Department of Arms Control and Disarmament, Sha Zukang, stated that the US development of missile defenses “may force China to review its policies on a wide range of arms control and non-proliferation issues.”  Sha also stated that arms control negotiations “must not undermine the global strategic balance and stability” and must protect “China’s important strategic security interests.” [Shao Zongwei, “US nuke action concerns China,” China Daily (internet edition), 14 April 2000.]

04/11/2000: A China Daily article called on the US to “take into account the common security of all the states which possess nuclear weapons and seek a win-win solution in missile non-proliferation and missile defense issues.” The article also stated:

“According to the NMD plan, the United States will deploy 100 interceptors in Alaska as its first base.  Assuming a 4-on-1 rate of interception, the United States could at most hit 25 incoming missiles. . . ”

“The envisaged NMD cannot stop an all-out Russian nuclear attack, considering thousands of strategic weapons which can be launched at Russia’s disposal.  Therefore Beijing can only view the US NMD as being designed to most effectively neutralize China’s strategic deterrence. . .”

“Geographically, it will protect the entire United States from being deterred.  And even interceptors deployed on one single site are enough to knock out all Chinese CSS-4s. ” [Shen Dingli, “NMD system hurts security of other countries,” China Daily (internet edition), 11 April 2000.]

02/05/2000: The BMDO and the U.S. Army successfully conducted a PAC-3 missile intercept of a “threat representative of a tactical ballistic missile target” at the White Sands Missile Range. [U.S. Army Press Release, “PAC-3 Intercept Test a Success,” 5 February 2000, Available from http://www.acq.osd.mil.]

01/18/2000: The BMDO announced a failed missile defense test of a modified Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile launched from Vandenberg A.F.B. and an intercept missile launched from the Kwajalein Atoll. [U.S. Department of Defense Press Release, “National Missile Defense Conducts Intercept Test, 18 January 2000, Available from http://www.defenselink.mil.]

01/16/2000: Tien Yi contributed an article on China's missile defense network today to the Hong Kong Chiao Ching.  Citing modernization of the Taiwan Army and Western dependence on missile technology during the Gulf War and recent Kosovo Crisis, Tien justifies the development of the PLA's "four-level, three-dimensional air defense system."  He also claims that the Beijing Military Region recently displayed their skill of using anti-aircraft rounds to create a 'shield' that is impenetrable to cruise missiles.  The Lieying LY-60 is the PLA medium-altitude aircraft defense missile, and has been recently modified to prevent against electrical interference attacks.  The Feimeng FM-80 is the PLA's first self-propelled low-altitude missile, and has begun to be replaced by the FM-90, which has improved firing time and target range.  Complementing these indigenous systems is the Russian S-300 air defense system, and the recently acquired S-300 PMU2, which, according to Tien, can intercept missiles within a 300 km radius.  [Tien Yi, "PRC Sets Up Missile Defense Network", Hong Kong Chiao Ching, 16 January 2000 in FBIS FTS20000214000133.]

1999

12/10/1999: During a Sino-Russian summit meeting, Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Russian President Boris Yeltsin issued a joint statement, which in part condemned US proposals to amend the ABM Treaty by stating:

"The two sides consider that the creation, in violation of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty of 1972, of a national antiballistic missile defense system by one of the States which signed that Treaty will have a destructive effect on strategic stability and on the entire structure of key international agreements relating to disarmament and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and means of their delivery, and will mar prospects for achieving further progress in these directions."

"The two sides reaffirm that they consider unacceptable any attempts to violate the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty of 1972 and emphasize that the Treaty has been and must remain a cornerstone of strategic stability. The two sides hold the view that the 1972 Treaty must be strictly and fully implemented. In this connection, the sides note in particular the importance of General Assembly resolution 54/54 A, of 1 December 1999, entitled "Preservation of and compliance with the Treaty on the Limitation of Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems", submitted by China, the Russian Federation and Belarus."

"The two sides point out that the plans of certain Governments to develop a regional antiballistic missile defense system are liable to undermine peace and stability in the Asia and Pacific region. The Russian side supports the position of the Chinese side to the effect that the inclusion of the Chinese province of Taiwan in these plans in any form by any Government whatsoever is unacceptable." [Full Text of Joint Statement]

12/07/1999:  The North Korean news agency, KCNA, responded to US Secretary of Defense Cohen promotion of NMD to NATO by stating:

"He said without hesitation that the plan to establish a criminal "national missile defense" system is to "counter the long-range missile system of North Korea.  The "missile threat" of the north has not existed and will not exist in the future, too.  This far fetched assertion was faked up purposefully and intentionally by the US imperialist warmongers to push ahead openly and legally with the establishment of "national missile defense" system, which is new plan for forestalling attack by missiles under the pretext of the "missile threat from the DPRK." ["KCNA Denounces US National Missile Defense System," KCNA, 7 December 1999 in FBIS, FTS19991207000509, 7 December 1999.]

11/12/1999: In a Washington Times article, Admiral Dennis Blair, commander in chief of the US Pacific Command, outlined US missile objectives for Asia.  Admiral Blair stated:

“We’ve already had American men and women killed by Scuds, the almost 40 members of the Pennsylvania National Guard who were killed by a Scud in Saudi Arabia.  So I think we need a theater missile defense to protect troops that we have deployed within range of North Korean Scuds and No Dongs right now.”

Blair added that missile defenses are needed by Taiwan to counter China’s missile superiority and are allowed under the Taiwan Relations Act.  Admiral Blair stated:

“We should follow the Taiwan Relations Act, which says that we should be providing the wherewithal to Taiwan to mount a defense.  As we told the Chinese, the fact that we are talking about these systems with the Taiwanese is related to the fact that they have an extensive missile-building program going on their side of the Taiwan Strait.  And if they want to change that, then that should affect the systems.  We’re talking about a balance here.  And a count of 500 or 600 [missiles] to very few defenses doesn’t seem like a very good balance.” [Bill Gertz, “Admiral Calls for Pacific Missile Defense System,” Washington Times, 12 November 1999.]

11/11/1999:  In a Washington Post article, China’s director of arms control and disarmament, Sha Zukang, was critical of the US for wanting to amend the ABM Treaty.  Sha stated:

“Any amendment, or abolishing of the treaty, will lead to disastrous consequences.  This will bring a halt to nuclear disarmament now between the Russians and Americans, and in the future will halt multilateral disarmament as well.”

Sha also criticized the US for having a double standard, stating:

“United States. . . has been teaching the international community that the ABM Treaty, though bilateral, is a cornerstone for strategic stability, that it’s a precondition for further nuclear disarmament. Now suddenly they are attempting to amend it and threaten to abolish it.  We have no words for this.  Should we assume that the United States monopolizes all the truth in the world?  This cannot be the case, I believe.  So this will erode US authority and credibility.  Does this mean that the United States will negotiate treaties only for others, that the United States will expect others to honor all treaty obligations while the United States is free to do anything it want?. . .Psychologically, that’s bad for any new negotiations." John Pomfret, “Chinese Official Warns US on Missile Defense,” Washington Post, 11 November 1999, p. A01.]

11/05/1999: A UN c