His remarks focused almost exclusively on European concerns and U.S.-Russian relations. He mentioned China once and Japan not at all, yet the principal diplomatic and security challenges lie not in Europe but in Asia. Several close U.S. allies in Asia face serious ballistic missile threats.
China has, and North Korea is developing, missiles capable of reaching the United States.
The region is going through a strategic transition as China's military capabilities increase, Japan debates its security role and the dangerous standoff on the Korean Peninsula continues. These challenges demand nuanced diplomacy that reassures allies, deters potential aggressors and creates a firm foundation for regional stability. If missile defenses are deployed without a comprehensive regional strategy, they could aggravate U.S. relations with allies, further complicate tense relations with China and inject uncertainty into the regional security environment. Mr. Bush is hoping to prevent this by starting a consultation process that includes sending envoys to the region for talks in the next few days. The Japanese government views missile defense as one way to defend Japan against threats from missiles and weapons of mass destruction.